LECTURES, 

if 


EXPLANATORY  AND  PRACTICAL, 


EPISTLE     OF     ST       PAUL 


PHILIPPIANS. 


INTENDED    CHIEFLY    FOR    THE    USE    OF    FAMILIES. 


MANTON  EASTBURN,  M.  A  , 

RECTOR  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  THE  ASCEN8I0K,  HEW  \OV.K., 


NEW    YORK: 
G.   &    C     &    H.  CAR  V  [Li. 


M  DCCC  XXXJII. 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  m  the  year  1833,  by 
G.  &  C.  &  H.  CARVILL, 

in  the  Clerk's  office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States,  for  the  Soutiiern 
District  of  New  York. 


KI.BIOHT   &   VAN    NOROEN,    PKINl'. 


TO 
THE     PA RISHf  ONERS 

OF 

THE   CHURCH  OF   THE   ASCENSION,  NEW  YORK, 

THE    FOLLOWING 

LECTURES, 

ORIOINALLy   DELIVERED  IN  THEIR    PRESENCE, 
ARE, 
WITH    FERVENT  PRAYERS   FOR   THEIR   ETERHAI.   WELFARE, 
INSCRIBED    BV 
IHErR    ArFKOTIONATE  FRIKNn  AND  MINISTEK, 

THE     A   U  T  H  O  R 


P  R  E  F  A  C  E. 


The  Lectures  contained  in  this  Volume  were  com- 
posed in  the  winter  of  1829-30;  and  delivered, 
during  the  same  period,  on  successive  Sunday 
mornings,  from  the  pulpit  of  Ascension  Church, 
New  York.  The  writer  has  been  led  to  believe, 
that  they  might  be  found  useful  beyond  the  limited 
sphere  of  his  own  parochial  cure ;  and  the  reasons 
wiiich  have  induced  him  to  offer  them  to  the 
public,  he  would,  in  a  few  words,  state. 

Notwithstanding  the  great  variety  of  books  in 
existence,  designed  for  religious  family  readings  it 
will,  perhaps,  be  allowed,  that  more  are  yet  to  be 
desired.  The  object  contemplated  in  such  works  is 
one  of  so  useful  a  character,  as  to  justify  constant 


Vi  PREFACE? 

additions  to  the  number  of  those  already  in  circu- 
lation. In  one  particular  respect,  the  following 
pages  may  possibly  be  found  convenient  for  domes- 
tic use.  It  is  the  custom  with  many,  on  the  recur- 
ring occasions  of  Sunday  evening  family  wor- 
ship, to  take  advantage  of  the  greater  leisure  then 
enjoyed,  by  adding  to  the  ordinary  quantity  of 
scriptural  reading.  In  committing  these  Lectures 
to  the  press,  no  addition  has  been  made  to  their 
original  length,  as  delivered  from  the  pulpit :  by 
their  brevity,  therefore,  they  avoid  a  danger  which 
should  always  be  carefully  guarded  against, — that 
of  fatiguing,  instead  of  interesting,  the  assembled 
domestic  circle;  and  thus  defeating  the  grand  object 
of  spiritual  edification. 

Whatever  may  be  thought,  however,  of  the  suit- 
ableness of  the  present  Volume  to  occasions  like 
those  referred  to,  the  author  has  thought  that  he 
might  serve  the  cause  of  Christ,  by  placing  in  the 
hands  of  the  members  of  families  a  work,  devoted 
to  the  practical  illustration  of  the  wo7'd  of  God.  In 
this  age  of  wild  speculation  on  religious  subjects, 
every  attempt  to  lead  the  mind  to  that  pure  and 


PREFACE.  VIJ 

undefiled  fountain  of  truth,  which  is  contained  in 
the  Bible,  seems,  whatever  may  be  its  merits  in 
other  respects,  to  be  of  itself  a  commendable  endea- 
vor. As  the  object  proposed,  in  the  first  delivery 
of  these  Lectures,  was  general  usefulness,  and  as 
they  are  now  published  with  the  same  design,  the 
reader  will  find  the  present  work  to  be  wholly  of 
a  practical  character.  Criticism  is  made  use  of  no 
further  than  was  absolutely  necessary,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  elucidating  phraseology,  or  of  unfolding  tlie 
beauties  of  a  passage  in  a  more  impressive  aspect 
to  the  mind. 

In  regard  to  that  particular  portion  of  Scripture, 
which  forms  the  subject  of  these  explanatory  Lec- 
tures, it  seems  hardly  necessary  to  speak.  For 
tenderness,  simplicity,  and  beauty,  the  Epistle  to 
the  Philippians  stands  preeminent.  But,  besides 
this,  in  the  course  of  the  four  Chapters  of  which  it 
is  composed,  it  affords,  to  him  who  is  illustrating 
it,  an  opportunity  of  enforcing  not  only  all  the  fun- 
da,mental  points  of  Christian  faith,  but  also  a  great 
variety  of  precepts  in  relation  to  a  believer's  daily 
practice. 


Vlll  PREFACE. 

While  the  writer  is  most  ardently  attached  to 
that  branch  of  the  Church  of  Christ,  with  which 
he  accounts  it  his  happiness  and  privilege  to  be 
united,  he  believes,  at  the  same  time,  that  nothing 
will  be  found  in  the  present  Volume,  to  which  all 
cannot  cordially  subscribe,  who  '^  love  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity."  He  has  kept  constantly 
in  view  those  distinguishing  features  of  practical 
and  experimental  religion,  in  which  all  Christians 
agree  ;  and  has  thus  rendered  his  work  suitable  for 
general  circulation. 

He  can  only,  in  conclusion,  commend  this  humble 
attempt  to  advance  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  to 
the  blessing  of  that  divine  Master,  whom  he  has 
been  called  to  serve  in  the  ministry  of  the  gospeL 

New  York,  May,  1833. 


CONTENTS 


LECTURE    I. 

CHAPTER  I.  1—0.— Paul  and  Timotheus,  the  servants  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  all 
the  saints  in  Christ  Jesus  which  are  at  Philippi,  with  the  bishops  and  dea- 
cons: Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our  Father  and  from  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  I  tliank  my  God  upon  every  remembrance  of  you, 
Always  in  every  prayer  of  mine  for  you  all  making  request  with  joy,  For 
your  fellowship  in  the  gospel  from  the  first  day  until  now  :  Being  confident 
of  this  very  thing,  that  he  which  hath  begun  a  good  work  in  you,  will  per- 
form it  until  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ.     ------     page  1 

LECTURE    II. 

CHAPTER  I.  7 — II. — Even  as  it  is  meet  for  me  to  think  this  of  you  all, 
because  I  have  you  in  my  heart ;  inasmuch  as  both  in  my  bonds,  and  in  the 
defence  and  confirmation  of  the  gospel,  ye  all  are  ])artakers  of  my  grace. 
For  God  is  my  record,  how  greatly  I  long  after  you  all  in  the  bowels  of 
Jesus  Christ.  And  this  I  pray,  that  your  love  may  abound  yet  more  and 
more  in  knowledge  and  in  all  judgment ;  That  ye  may  approve  things  that 
are  excellent;  that  ye  may  be  sincere  and  without  offence  till  the  day  of 
Christ;  Being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness,  which  are  by  Jesus 
Christ,  unto  tne  glory  and  praise  of  God,         ....         page  14 

LECTURE    III. 

CHAPTER  I.  12— IS.— But  I  would  ye  should  understand,  brethren,  that  the 
things  which  happened  imto  me  have  fallen  out  ratiier  unto  the  furtherance 
of  the  gospel ;  So  that  my  bonds  in  Christ  are  manifest  in  all  the  palace,  and 
in  all  other  places;  And  many  of  the  brethren  in  the  Lord,  waxing  confident 
by  my  bonds,  are  much  more  bold  to  speak  tlie  word  without  fear.  Some 
indeed  preach  Christ  even  of  envy  and  strife;  and  some  also  of  good  will. 
The  one  preach  Christ  of  contention,  not  sincerely,  supposing  to  add  afflic- 
tion to  my  bonds  :  But  the  other  of  love,  knowing  that  I  am  set  for  the 
defence  of  the  gospel.  What  then  ?  notwithstanding,  every  way,  whether 
in  pretence  or  in  truth,  Christ  is  preached  ;  and  I  therein  do  rejoice,  yea,  and 
will  rejoice. page  27 

LECTURE    IV, 

CHAPTER  I.  19— 24.— For  I  know  that  this  shall  turn  to  my  salvation 
through  your  prayer,  and  tlie  sup])ly  of  the  Spirit  of  Jesus  Christ,  According 
to  my  earnest  expectation  and  my  hope,  that  in  nothing  I  shall  be  ashamed, 
but  that  with  all  boldness,  as'always,  so  now  also,  Christ  shall  be  magnified  in 
my  body,  whether  it  be  bv  life,  or  by  death.  For  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to 
die  is  gain.  But  if  I  live  in  the  Hesh,  this  is  the  fruit  of  uiy  labor:  yet  what 
I  shall  choose  I  wot  not.  For  I  am  in  a  strait  betwixt  two,  having  a  desire 
to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Christ ;  whicli  is  far  better ;  Nevertheless,  to  abide 
in  the  flesh  is  more  needful  for  you. P'lg^  41 

2 


CONTENTS. 


LECTURE    V. 


CHAPTER  I.  25— 30.— And  having  this  confidence,  I  know  that  I  shall  abide 
and  continue  with  you  all  for  your  furtherance  and  joy  of  faith  ;  That  your 
rejoicing  may  be  more  abundant  in  Jesus  Christ  for  me  by  my  coming  to  you 
again.  Only  let  your  conversation  be  as  it  becometh  the  gospel  of  Christ ; 
that  whether  I  come  and  see  you,  or  else  be  absent,  I  may  hear  of  your 
affairs,  that  ye  stand  fast  in  one  spirit,  with  one  mind  striving  together  for 
the  faith  of  the  gospel ;  And  in  nothing  terrified  by  your  adversaries  :  which 
is  to  them  an  evident  token  of  perdition,  but  to  you  of  salvation,  and  that  of 
God.  For  unto  you  it  is  given  in  the  behalf  of  Christ,  not  only  to  believe  on 
him,  but  also  to  suffer  for  his  sake ;  Having  the  same  conflict  which  ye  saw 
in  me,  and  now  hear  to  be  in  me.        ....  P^ge  55 

LECTURE    VI. 

CHAPTER  n.  1 — 4. — If  there  be  therefore  any  consolation  in  Christ,  if  any  com- 
fort of  love,  if  any  fellowship  of  the  Spirit,  if  an)'  bowels  and  mercies.  Fulfil  ye 
my  joy,  that  ye  be  like-minded,  having  the  same  love,  being  of  one  accord,  of 
one  mind.  Let  nothing  be  done  through  strife  or  vain  glory ;  but  in  lowli- 
ness of  mind  let  each  esteem  other  better  than  themselves.  Look  not  every 
man  on  his  own  things,  but  every  man  also  on  the  things  of  others,     page  69 

LECTURE    VII. 

CHAPTER  II.  5 — 11. — Let  this  mind  be  in  you,  which  was  also  in  Christ 
Jesus:  Who,  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought  it  not  robbery  to  be  equal 
with  God  :  But  made  himself  of  no  reputation,  and  took  upon  him  the  form 
of  a  servant,  and  was  made  in  the  likeness  of  men  :  And  being  found  in 
fashion  as  a  man,  he  humbled  himself,  and  liecame  obedient  imto  death,  even 
the  death  of  the  cross.  Wherefore  God  also  hath  highly  exalted  him,  and 
given  him  a  name  which  is  above  every  name:  That  at  the  name  of  Jesus 
every  knee  should  bow,  of  things  in  heaven,  and  things  in  earth,  and  things 
under  the  earth ;  And  that  every  tongue  should  confess  that  Jesus  Christ  is 
Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father. page  82 

LECTURE    VIII. 

CHAPTER  II.  12 — 16. — Wherefore,  my  beloved,  as  ye  have  always  obeyed, 
not  as  in  my  presence  only,  but  now  much  more  in  my  absence,  work  out 
your  own  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling.  For  it  is  God  which  worketh 
in  you  both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure.  Do  all  things  without 
murmurings  and  disputings :  That  ye  may  be  blameless  and  harmless,  the 
sons  of  God,  without  rebuke,  in  the  midst  of  a  crooked  and  perverse  nation, 
among  whom  ye  shine  as  lights  in  the  world  ;  Holding  forth  the  word  of  hfe; 
that  I  may  rejoice  in  the  day  of  Christ,  that  I  have  not  run  in  vain,  neither 
laboured  in  vain.        .--..--..      page  96 

LECTURE    IX. 

CHAPTER  II.  17 — 23. — Yea,  and  if  I  be  offered  upon  the  sacrifice  and  ser- 
vice of  your  faith,  I  joy,  and  rejoice  with  you  all.  For  the  same  cause  also 
do  ye  joy,  and  rejoice  with  me.  But  I  trust  in  the  Lord  Jesus  to  send  Timo- 
thcus  shortly  unto  you,  that  I  also  may  be  of  good  comfort,  when  I  know 
your  state.  For  I  have  no  man  like-minded,  who  will  naturally  care  for  your 
state.  For  all  seek  their  own,  not  the  things  which  arc  Jesus  Christ's.  But 
ye  know  the  proof  of  him,  that  as  a  son  with  the  father,  he  hath  served  with 


CONTENTS.  XI 

me  in  the  gospel.     Him  therefore  I  liope  to  send  presently,  so  soon  as  I  shall 
see  how  it  will  go  with  me. page  1 10 

LECTURE    X. 

CHAPTER  II.  24—30. — But  I  trust  in  the  Lord  that  I  also  myself  shall  come 
shortly.  Yet  I  supposed  it  necessary  to  send  to  you  Epaphroditus,  my 
brother,  and  companion  in  labour,  and  fellow-soldier,  but  your  messenger, 
and  he  that  ministered  to  my  wants.  For  he  longed  after  you  all,  and  was 
full  of  heaviness,  because  that  ye  had  heard  that  he  had  been  sick.  For 
indeed  he  was  sick  nigh  unto  death  :  but  God  had  mercy  on  him ;  and  not 
on  him  only,  but  on  me  also,  lest  I  should  have  sorrow  upon  sorrow.  I  sent 
him  therefore  the  more  carefully,  that,  when  ye  see  him  again,  ye  may  rejoice, 
and  that  I  may  be  the  less  sorrowful.  Receive  him  therefore  in  the  Lord 
with  all  gladness  ;  and  hold  such  in  reputation.  Because  for  the  work  of 
Christ  he  was  nigh  unto  deaths  not  regarding  his  life  to  supply  your  lack  of 
service  toward  me. page  123 

LECTURE   XI. 

CHAPTER  III.  1—3.— Finally,  my  brethren,  rejoice  in  the  Lord.  To  write 
the  same  things  to  you,  to  me  indeed  is  not  grievous,  but  for  you  it  is  safe. 
Beware  of  dogs,  beware  of  evil-workers,  beware  of  the  concision.  For  we 
arc  the  circumcision,  wliich  worship  God  in  the  spirit,  and  rejoice  in  Christ 
Jesus,  and  have  no  confidence  in  the  flesh.        .        .        .        -      page  1 37 

LECTURE   XII. 

CHAPTER  III.  4— 9.— Though  I  might  also  have  confidence  in  the  flesh. 
If  any  other  man  thinketh  that  he  hath  whereof  he  might  trust  in  the  flesh,  I 
more :  Circumcised  the  eighth  day,  of  the  stock  of  Israel,  of  the  tribe  of 
Benjamin,  an  Hebrew  of  the  Hebrews ;  as  touching  the  law,  a  Pharisee ; 
Concerning  zeal,  persecuting  the  church ;  touching  the  righteousness  which 
is  in  the  law,  blameless.  But  what  things  were  gain  to  me,  those  I  counted  loss 
for  Christ.  Yea  doubtless,and  I  count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  of 
the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord ,  for  whom  I  have  suffered  the  loss 
of  all  things,  and  do  count  them  Ijut  dung,  that  I  may  win  Christ,  And  be 
found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own  righteousness,  which  is  of  tlie  law,  but 
that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Christ,  the  righteousness  which  is  of  God 
by  faith. page  151 

LECTURE    XIII. 

CHAPTER  III.  10— 14.— That  I  may  know  him,  and  the  power  of  his  resur- 
rection, and  the  fellowship  of  his  sufferings,  being  made  conformable  unto 
his  death  ;  If  by  any  means  I  might  attain  unto  the  resurrection  of  the  dead. 
Not  as  though  I  had  already  attained,  either  were  already  perfect :  but  I 
follow  after,  if  that  I  may  apprehend  that  for  which  also  I  am  apprehended 
of  Christ  Jesus.  Brethren,  I  count  not  myself  to  have  apprehended :  but 
this  one  thing  I  do,  forgetting  those  things  which  are  behind,  and  reaching 
forth  unto  those  things  which  are  before,  I  press  toward  the  mark  for  the 
prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus.         ...     page  165 

LECTURE    XIV. 

CHAPTER  III.  15 — 19. — Let  us  therefore,  as  many  as  be  perfect,  be  thus 
minded :  and  if  any  thing  ye  be  otherwise  minded,  God  shall  reveal  even 
this  unto  you.  Nevertheless,  whereto  we  have  already  attained,  let  us  walk 
by  the  same  rule,  lot  us  n)ind  the  same  thing.     Brethren,   be  followers 


Xll  CONTENTS 

together  of  me,  and  mark  them  which  walk  so  as  yo  have  us  for  an  cnsam- 
plc.  (For  many  walk,  of  whom  I  have  told  you  often,  and  now  tell  you 
even  weeping,  that  they  are  the  enemies  of  the  cross  of  Christ :  Whose  end 
is  destruction,  whose  God  is  their  belly,  and  whose  glory  is  in  their  shame, 
who  mind  earthly  things.) page  178 

LECTURE    XV. 

CHAPTER  III.  20.  21.  IV.  1—3.— For  our  conversation  is  in  heaven ;  from 
whence  also  we  look  for  the  Saviour,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  Who  shall 
change  our  vile  body,  that  it  may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glorious  body, 
according  to  the  working  whereby  he  is  able  even  to  subdue  all  things  unto 
himself.  Therefore,  my  brethren  dearly  beloved  and  longed  for,  my  joy  and 
ciown,  so  stand  fast  in  the  Lord,  my  dearly  beloved.  I  beseech  Euodias,  and 
beseech  Syntyche,  that  they  be  of  the  same  mind  in  the  Lord.  And  I 
entreat  thee  also,  true  yoke-fellow,  help  those  women  which  laboured  with 
me  in  the  gospel,  with  Clement  also,  and  with  other  my  fellow-labourers, 
whose  names  are  in  the  book  of  life.         .         .        .        -         .       page  192 

LECTURE    XVI. 

CHAPTER  IV.  4 — 9. — Rejoice  in  the  Lord  always :  and  again  I  say,  Rejoice. 
Let  your  moderation  be  known  unto  all  men.  The  Lord  is  at  hand.  Be 
careful  for  nothing ;  but  in  every  thing  by  prayer  and  supplication  with 
thanksgiving,  let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God.  And  the  peace 
of  God,  which  passeth  all  understanding,  shall  keep  your  hearts  and  minds 
through  Christ  Jesus.  Finally,  brethren,  whatsoever  things  are  true,  what- 
soever things  are  honest,  ivhatsoever  things  are  just,  whatsoever  things  are 
pure,  whatsoever  things  are  lovely,  whatsoever  things  arc  of  good  report ; 
if  there  be  any  virtue,  and  if  there  be  any  praise,  think  on  these  things. 
Those  things,  which  ye  have  both  learned,  and  received,  and  heard,  and  seen 
in  me,  do :  and  the  God  of  peace  shall  be  with  you.         -        -         page  206 

LECTURE    XVII. 

CHAPTER  IV.  10— 16.— But  I  rejoiced  in  the  Lord  greatly,  that  now  at  the 
last  your  care  of  me  hath  flourished  again ;  wherein  ye  were  also  careful, 
but  ye  lacked  opportunity.  Not  that  I  speak  in  respect  of  want:  for  I  have 
learned,  in  whatsoever  state  I  am,  therewith  to  be  content.  I  know  both  how 
to  be  abased,  and  I  know  how  to  abound  :  every  where,  and  in  all  things,  1 
am  instructed  both  to  be  full  and  to  be  hungry,  both  to  abound  and  to  suffer 
need.  I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ  which  strengthencth  me.  Not- 
withstanding, ye  have  well  done,  that  ye  did  communicate  with  my  affliction. 
Now,  ye  Philippians,  know  also,  that  in  the  beginning  of  the  gospel  when 
I  departed  from  Macedonia,  no  church  communicated  with  me  as  concerning 
giving  and  receiving,  but  ye  only.  For  even  in  Thessalonica  ye  sent  once 
and  again  unto  my  necessity. page  220 

LECTU  RE    X  VIII. 

CHAPTER  IV,  17— 23.— Not  because  I  desire  a  gift:  but  I  desire  fruit  that 
may  abound  to  your  account.  But  I  have  all,  and  abound  :  I  am  full,  hav- 
ing received  of  Epaphroditus  the  things  which  were  sent  from  you,  an  odour 
of  a  sweet  smell,  a  sacrifice  acceptable,  well-pleasing  to  God.  But  my  God 
shall  supply  all  your  need  according  to  his  riches  in  glory  by  Christ  Jesus. 
Now  unto  God  and  our  Father  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen.  Salute 
every  saint  in  Christ  Jesus.  The  brethren  which  are  with  me  greet  you. 
All  the  saints  salute  you,  chiefly  they  that  are  of  Cesar's  household.  The 
g-race  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  yon  all,     Amen.  page  234 


LECTURE    I. 


CHAPTER  I.  1—6. 

Paul  and  T^motheus,  the  servants  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  all  the 
saints  in  Christ  Jesus  which  are  at  Philippi,  with  the  bishops 
and  deacons :  Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our 
Father  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  I  thank  my  God 
upon  every  remembrance  of  you.  Always  in  every  j^Tayer  of 
mine  for  you  all  making  request  with  joy,  For  your  fellowship 
in  the  gospel  from  the  first  day  until  now  ;  Being  confident  of 
this  very  thing,  that  he  which  hath  begun  a  good  work  in  you, 
will  perform  it  until  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ. 

When  the  Apostle  began  the  composition  of  tliis  letter  to 
the  believers  of  Philippi,  he  was  under  the  influence  of  that 
most  afTecting  recollection,  that  he  had  been  the  instrument, 
under  Providence,  of  their  conversion  "  from  darkness  to  light, 
and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God."  While  St.  Paul 
was  at  Troas,  he  beheld  in  the  night,  as  we  are  informed  in 
the  sixteenth  chapter  of  the  Acts,  the  vision  of  a  man  of  Mace- 
donia ;  who,  in  a  supplicating  voice,  cried,  "  Come  over  into 
Macedonia,  and  help  us."  The  summons  was  immediately 
obeyed ;  the  gospel  was  proclaimed,  in  all  its  grace  and  ful- 
ness, to  the  inhabitants  of  that  unenlightened  region ;  and 
among  those  who,  at  Philippi,  were  brought  to  a  knowledge 


2  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  I. 

of  the  way  of  life,  we  find  the  two  instances  of  the  jailer  and 
of  Lydia  particularly  recorded  in  history.  It  may  well  be  sup- 
posed, that  the  Apostle  ever  afterwards  looked  upon  this  church 
which  his  own  hands  had  planted,  with  feelings  of  peculiar 
tenderness  and  affection.  The  Philippians  were  his  children 
in  the  Lord  ;  and  the  emotions  with  which  the  faithful  minis- 
ter  of  Christ  Jesus  thinks  of  those,  whom  God  has  given  him 
as  the  recompense  of  his  labors,  and  the  seals  of  his  apostle- 
ship,  are  more  clearly  to  be  felt  than  described.  It  was  with 
such  associations  that  the  mind  of  St.  Paul  was  crowded, 
when,  embracing  the  opportunity  afforded  by  the  departure 
of  Epaphroditus  from  Rome  to  Philippi,  he  penned  this  inte- 
\  resting  communication.  The  great  Apostle  Avas  now  in  im- 
prisonment for  the  gospel  of  Christ.  The  Philippians,  anxious 
to  alleviate,  as  far  as  possible,  the  sufferings  of  their  spiritual 
father,  had  sent  the  person  just  named,  with  a  supply  of  mo- 
ney for  his  relief:  and  now  that  the  messenger  of  their  bounty 
was  about  to  return,  he  determined  to  acknowledge  their 
goodness ;  to  express  his  interest  in  their  eternal  welfare  ;  and 
to  offer  them  such  counsel  and  admonitions,  as  might,  by  the 
blessing  of  God,  animate  them  to  run  with  new  faith  and 
patience  the  "  race   that  was  set  before  them." 

The  Epistle  opens,  according  to  the  customary  apostolic 
method,  with  an  invocation  of  spiritual  blessings.—"  Paul  and 
Timotheus,  the  servants  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  all  the  saints  in 
Christ  Jesus  which  are  at  Philippi,  with  the  bishops  and  dea- 
cons :  Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our  Father  and 
from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  You  perceive  that,  in  this  com- 
mencing salutation,  the  name  of  Timothy  is  associated  with 
that  of  the  Apostle ;  a  circumstance  which  may  seem  strange. 


CHAP.  I.  1-6.1  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  3 

when  taken  in  connexion  with  the  fact,  that  St.  Paul  was  the 
single  composer  of  this  letter  to  the  Philippian  church.  The 
reason,  however,  for  this  union  will  readily  be  seen,  by  turning 
to  that  portion  of  the  Acts,  which  describes  the  first  preaching 
of  the  gospel  to  the  inhabitants  of  Philippi.*  It  appears, 
from  the  narrative  there  given,  that  Timothy  was  one  of 
those  who  assisted  the  Apostle,  in  proclaiming  in  that  city  the 
glad  tidings  of  salvation.  It  is  also  intimated,  in  another  part 
of  the  apostolic  history,t  that  he  was  one  of  St.  Paul's  com- 
panions on  a  subsequent  visit  to  that  same  region ;  so  that 
the  name  of  Timothy  must  have  become  endeared  to  these 
primitive  converts,  by  many  soothing  and  grateful  recollec- 
tions of  his  personal  ministry.  It  is  on  account  of  his  former 
intimacy,  therefore,  with  those  beUevers  to  whom  the  Apostle 
was  writing,  that  this  excellent  servant  of  Christ,  now  at 
Rome,  was  united  with  the  author  in  these  expressions  of 
love  and  friendship.  Their  words  of  greeting  are  addressed 
not  only  to  the  Philippian  Christians  in  general,  but  also,  as 
you  observe,  to  their  "  bishops,"  or,  spiritual  overseers,  ''  and 
deacons ;"  who  had,  in  all  probability,  merited  this  especial 
commemoration,  by  their  activity  in  raising  for  the  imprisoned 
Apostle  the  needful  supplies.  In  regard  to  the  form  in  which 
this  opening  benediction  is  expressed,  it  is  precisely  the  same 
with  that  which  is  used  in  most  of  the  other  New  Testament 
Epistles ;  and  for  its  beautiful  simplicity,  its  affection,  and 
the  comprehensiveness  of  its  meaning,  it  certainly  deserves  a 
passing  consideration.  "  Grace  be  unto  you ;"  or,  in  other 
words,  may  the  favor  of  God,  and  all  the  varied  gifts  and 
blessings  of  the  gospel,  be  multiplied  to  you  in  rich  abundance : 

*  Acts,  xvi.  t  AciSj  XX. 


4  LECTURES  ON   THE  [LECT.  1. 

"  and  peace,"  that  is,  the  divine  contentment,  happiness,  and 
joy,  which  flow  from  a  state  of  reconciliation  with  the  Father — 
a  sense  of  inward  tranquillity — that  rest  of  the  believing  heart, 
"  which  passeth  all  understanding."  It  is  also  worthy  of  your 
attention,  that  these  spiritual  privileges  are  described  as  pro- 
ceeding "  from  God  our  Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ :"  and  the  Apostle  hereby  points  out,  my  brethren,  the 
only  source  from  which  pardon  and  acceptance  are  derived  to 
sinful  and  ruined  man.  The  King  of  heaven  bestows  these 
benefits,  singly  through  the  atoning  sacrifice  and  merits  of  his 
"  dear  Son  ;"  this  Mediator  is  the  exclusive  channel  by  which 
they  can  descend  ;  and.  apart  from  his  precious  death,  there  is 
no  possession  of  the  divine  favor,  and  no  covenant  union  with 
God  as  a  pacified  Parent  and  Friend. — And  now,  let  me  re- 
quest you,  after  this  brief  explanation  of  the  Apostle's  first 
salutatory  verses,  to  bestow  a  moment's  meditation  upon  the 
nature  of  that  affectionate  prayer  which  they  contain.  St. 
Paul,  about  to  convey  to  his  absent  friends  some  expression 
of  his  regard,  begins  with  an  ardent  wish  and  supplication  in 
respect  to  them  :  and  what  are  these  blessings  which  he  im- 
plores ?  Does  he  ask  the  Author  of  all  mercy  to  vouchsafe  to 
them  the  temporal  comforts  of  life  ?  Does  he  desire  that  their 
corn,  and  wine,  and  oil,  may  be  increased?  Such  benefits 
he  considered,  undoubtedly,  as  having  their  proper  value, 
upon  the  principle  which  he  himself  has,  in  another  place, 
set  forth ;  that  "  every  creature  of  God  is  good,  and  nothing 
to  be  refused,  if  it  be  received  with  thanksgiving."*  So  im- 
measurably superior,  however,  he  had  learned  to  deem  those 
eternal  blessings,  which  the  cross  of  the  Redeemer  had  pur- 

♦  I.  Tim.  iv.  4. 


CHAP.  I.  1— C]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  5 

chased  for  men,  that  every  thing  of  a  merely  earthly  nature 
seems  insignificant  in  his  eye.  He  rises  above  the  transitory 
privileges  of«  a  present  world ;  he  scarcely  considers  them  as 
worth  a  petition ;  and  when  he  would  invoke  from  heaven, 
upon  these  distant  Philippians,  the  choicest  of  gifts,  the  en- 
joyment of  God's  favor  through  Christ  presents  itself  as  the 
single  object  to  be  valued  and  desired.  Learn  here,  therefore, 
the  true  estimate  of  temporal  possessions  ;  and  be  instructed, 
as  you  read  the  benediction,  "  Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace, 
from  God  our  Father  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

The  Apostle,  having  thus,  according  to  his  usual  method, 
opened  his  communication  with  expressions  of  good-will 
and  affection,  proceeds  to  state  to  these  Philippians  the  grati- 
tude and  pleasure,  with  which  he  beheld  their  steadfast  walk 
in  the  faith  and  holiness  of  the  gospel.  This  interesting  idea 
is  contained  in  the  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  verses  ;  and  is 
thus  expressed.  "I  thank  my  God  upon  every  remembrance 
of  you,  always  in  every  prayer  of  mine  for  you  all  making 
request  with  joy,  for  your  fellowship  in  the  gospel  from  the  first 
day,"  that  is,  from  the  period  of  your  conversion,  "  until 
now."  By  the  expression  "  fellowship  in  the  gospel,"  is  to 
be  understood  the  continued  participation  of  the  Philippian 
converts,  from  the  time  when  they  first  became  disciples,  in 
the  graces  and  heavenly  character  of  the  religion  of  Jesus:  ac- 
cording to  the  use  of  the  term  by  the  same  Apostle,  in  his  First 
Epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  where  he  observes,  '•  God  is  faithful, 
by  whom  ye  were  called  unto  the  fellowship  of  his  Son,  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord  ;"*  or,  in  other  words,  through  whose  infinite 
mercy  ye  were  made  partakers  of  that  gospel  of  salvation, 

*  I.  Cor.  i.  9. 


6  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  I. 

of  which  our  adorable  fsaviour  is  the  Author  and  the  Finisher. 
The  whole  meaning,  therefore,  of  St.  Paul,  in  the  verses 
before  us,  may  be  thus  briefly  stated.  You  never  enter  into 
my  thoughts,  my  dearly  beloved  friends,  without  calling  forth 
ascriptions  of  devoutest  praise  to  the  God  of  all  mercy :  and, 
as  often  as,  bending  my  knees  before  the  throne  of  grace,  I 
offer  up  my  petitions  for  your  present  and  eternal  welfare,  I 
am  overwhelmed  with  delight  at  the  thought,  that,  through 
divine  grace,  you  have  thus  far  persevered  in  the  way  of  life ; 
neither  seduced  by  the  corrupt  opinions  and  principles  of  men 
— nor  reverting  to  the  idolatry  from  which  you  have  escaped 
— nor  abandoning  the  cross  of  the  Lord  Jesus  amidst  the  vio- 
lence of  persecution. — It  is  worthy  of  remark,  my  brethren, 
how  frequently  the  Apostle,  on  other  occasions,  is  found  rejoic- 
ing at  the  increase  of  believers  in  the  knowledge  and  prac- 
tice of  the  gospel.  Thus,  in  his  Epistle  to  the  Romans, 
"First,  I  thank  my  God  through  Jesus  Christ  for  you  all, 
that  your  faith  is  spoken  of  throughout  the  whole  world."* 
And  again  in  his  letter  to  the  Colossians,  he  declares,  "  We 
give  thanks  to  God  and  the  father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
praying  always  for  you,  since  we  heard  of  your  faith  in  Christ 
Jesus,  and  of  the  love  which  ye  have  to  all  the  saints."t  In 
this  expression  of  his  joy,  however,  at  the  spiritual  walk  and 
conversation  of  the  Philippians,  there  is  an  unusual  warmth  of 
feeling  ;  and  this  arose  from  the  touching  circumstance,  that 
they  were  bretlii-en  to  whom  he  had  once  preached,  in  his  own 
person,  the  unsearchable  riches  of  the  kingdom.  The  in- 
spired Apostle,  therefore,  was  gladdened  at  the  spectacle  of 
their  faith  and  consistency,  not  merely  from  that  anxiety  which 

*  Rom.  i.  8.  t  Col.  i.  3.  4. 


CHAP.  I.  1— G.]  EPI8TLE  TO  lllE  PIULlPl'lAN!^.  fj 

he  felt,  in  general,  for  the  everlasting  salvation  of  men,  but 
because  they  were  his  own  children,  begotten  in  the  gospel 
of  the  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Considered  in  this 
view,  as  the  declaration  of  St.  Paul's  affectionate  interest  in 
the  objects  of  his  former  ministry,  the  language  now  under 
consideration  suggests  one  or  two  reflections,  of  an  affecting 
and  profitable  character. 

And  1.  Is  there  not  something,  my  beloved  hearers,  cal- 
culated most  powerfully  to  impress  your  hearts,  in  the  view 
here  exhibited  of  that  solicitude,  ivith  which  every  faithful 
tninister  of  Christ  watches  the  j)rogress  of  his  spiritual 
fold  7 — Let  me  direct  your  attention,  once  more,  to  the  repre- 
sentation of  the  Apostle  before  us.  He  hears  of  the  mem- 
bers of  this  distant  church,  among  whom  he  had  once  "  gone 
preaching  the  kingdom  of  God,"*  that  they  are  still  pressing 
onward  to  the  mark,  for  the  prize  of  their  high  calling.  And 
what  is  the  effect  of  these  tidngs  ?  His  heart  overflows  with 
gladness  ;  and,  in  the  rapture  of  his  emotions,  he  sends  up- 
ward to  heaven,  whenever  these  children  of  his  care  cross 
his  recollection,  ejaculations  of  thankfulness  and  joy.  Now 
the  great  Apostle  of  the  Gentiles  has  furnished,  in  this  state- 
ment of  his  own  experience,  an  example  of  what  all  feel,  who 
have  been  truly  called  by  a  gracious  Providence  to  "  the  work 
of  the  ministry."  The  highest  comfort  and  pleasuie  which 
a  faithful  ambassador  of  Christ  enjoys,  is  to  observe  that 
any  of  those  among  whom  he  labors  are  indeed  "  walking 
in  truth  ;"t  and  the  spectacle  of  a  people  separated  from  the 
world,  warmed  with  the  love  of  Christ,  and  marching  onward 
with  undeviating  step  to  a  better  country,  fills  him  with  emo- 

*  Acts,  XX.  25.  1 1.  John,  v.  4. 


A 


g  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  I. 

tions  which  none  of  this  world's  objects  ever  can  enkindle. 
Permit  me,  then,  to  present  this  truth  to  those  within  the  con- 
gregation before  me,  "  who  profess  and  call  themselves  Chris- 
tians," as  an  incitement  to  perseverance  in  the  hfe  of  God,  and 
to  higher  attainments  in  holiness.  Are  there  some  among  you, 
my  friends  and  brethren,  who,  through  divine  grace,  have  for- 
saken the  corruptions  that  are  in  the  world ;  and  who,  having 
been  led  by  the  mercies,  and  by  the  chastisements  of  Provi- 
dence, to  Uve  near  to  the  Author  of  all  peace  and  happiness, 
are  humbly  seeking  to  "  walk  worthy  of  the  Lord  unto  all 
pleasing,"  to  be  "  fruitful  in  every  good  work,"  and  to  "  in- 
crease in  the  knowledge  of  God  ?"*  Let  it  be  some  encourage- 
ment to  your  future  labors  after  a  closer  walk  with  the  Lord, 
and  a  more  entire  consecration  to  his  service,  to  reflect  that  he 
who  watches  for  your  souls,  as  one  that  must  give  account,  is 
marking  your  steady  career  ;  that  he  is  in  secret  blessing  the 
Fountain  of  all  good,  for  those  measures  of  grace  to  which  you 
have  as  yet  attained  ;  and,  in  prospect  of  your  growing  ripeness 
for  heaven,  daily  "  rejoices  with  joy  unspeakable,  and  full  of 
glory."  The  believer,  it  is  true,  proposes  to  himself  the  love 
and  favor  of  God,  as  the  grand  stimulus  to  animate  him 
on  his  pilgrimage  ;  but,  notwithstanding  this,  we  are  warrant- 
ed, by  the  example  of  the  Apostle  before  us,  in  holding  it  forth 
as  a  legitimate  encouragement  to  his  perseverance,  that  he 
beneath  whose  ministrations  he  is  sitting,  smiles  with  new 
joy,  at  every  fresh  accession  of  faith,  and  love  and  holiness, 
among  those  to  whom  he  "  publisheth  salvation." 

There  is  another  reflection  suggested  by  the  words  of  St. 
Paul  now  under  consideration,  upon  which  I  may  profitably, 

*  Col.  i.  10 


CHAP.  I.  1-6.]  El'ISTLE  TO  THE  PHiLII'PIAN?-".  Q 

for  a  few  moments,  fix  your  thoughts.  The  Apostle,  you 
perceive,  while  expressing  to  these  believers  of  Philippi  his  in- 
terest in  their  welfare,  makes  incidental  mention  of  the  fact, 
that  that  church  of  his  own  planting  formed  one  of  the  sub- 
jects of  his  constant  'prayers.  Turn  again  to  the  inspired 
writer's  language.  "  Always,"  he  declares,  "  in  every  prayer 
of  mine  for  you  all  making  request  with  joy :"  and,  while  ex- 
hibiting this  habitual  remembrance  before  God  of  the  people 
of  his  ministry,  as  a  sample  of  the  practice  of  every  sincere 
shepherd,  allow  me  to  offer  the  circumstance  to  the  medita- 
tion of  those  before  me,  who  are  Uving  without  an  interest  in 
that  gospel  of  mercy,  which  is  so  repeatedly  presented  to  their 
acceptance.  My  brethren,  there  are  some  amongst  you  who 
come,  at  the  commencement  of  every  successive  week,  within 
the  sound  of  the  message  of  salvation  ;  who  hsten  to  its  affec- 
tionate invitations :  who  hear  its  threatened  judgments  :  and, 
after  each  of  these  appeals,  go  forth  again  to  bury  themselves  in 
the  pursuits  of  Ufe — to  mingle  in  its  engrossing  pleasures — 
and,  amidst  visible  things,  to  banish  God  and  the  Saviour  from 
all  influence  over  the  heart,  and  from  all  place  within  the 
memory.  To  such  "  forgetful  hearers,"*  it  may,  perhaps,  not 
be  unprofitable  to  urge  the  impressive  statement  just  presented ; 
and  to  say,  that,  amidst  all  your  heedlessness  of  the  way  of 
life,  and  your  devotion  to  those  things  whose  end  is  death, 
there  is  one  who  bears  you  on  his  petitions  to  the  throne  of 
mercy ;  who  prays  daily  for  your  spiritual  illumination  ;  who 
thinks,  with  sighs  and  tears,  for  those  who,  in  the  blindness 
of  their  imaghiatious,  never  think  fur  themselves.  This  in- 
dividual who  thus  implores  in  retirement  for  your  salvation, 

*  Juniea,  i.  25. 


IQ  LECTUKEiS  ON  TJIE  [LECT.  I. 

is  he  wliuj  by  the  appointment  of  Providence,  proclaims  to 
you  in  public,  within  these  sacred  walls,  the  message  of  love  ; 
and  there  is  something  in  this  consideration,  so  calculated  to 
appeal  to  all  the  better  feelings  of  the  sinner's  heart,  that  I 
cannot   refrain   from    pressing  it  upon  your   contemplation. 
Where,  among  those  that,  in  this  sanctuary,  statedly  listen 
to  the  preached  word,  is  the  person  who,  unmindful  of  these 
truths,  is  given  up  in  heart  and  practice  to  the  vain  pageantry 
of  hfe?     Be  melted  at  the  thought,  that  he  who  ministers 
to  you  in  holy  things  is,  with  every  day's  succession,  en- 
treating the  Lord  of  heaven,  that,  of  his  mercy,  he  will  turn 
you  from  these  ensnaring  idols,  to  serve  the  living  and  true 
God.     Where  is  the  attendant  upon  these  means  of  grace, 
who,  when  he  retires  from  them  into  the  world,  is  led  away  by 
the  absorbing  quest  of  gain?     Think  of  him,  whose  voice 
utters  your  name  in  secret  before  the  Hearer  of  prayer ;  and  let 
the  recollection  lead  you,  through  divine  grace,  to  give  your 
whole  heart  to  Christ ;  to  embrace  the  gospel,  and  to  bow,  as 
a  willing  captive,  to  the  obedience  of  the  truth.     Where  is  the 
profane  despiser  of  those  solemn  representations,  which  are  un- 
folded by  the  messengers  of  Jesus,  and  in  the  pages  of  his 
word  ?     My  dear  hearer,  even  you  are  not  forgotten  in  our 
daily  supplications  ;  we  ask  that  your  eyes  may  be  opened,  to 
see  the  wondrous  things  of  the  gospel ;  and  the  tenderness  of 
such  a  thought  may,  perhaps,  one  day,  subdue  your  callous 
heart  beneath  the  influences  of  the  Spirit  of  God.     Call  to 
mind,  amidst  the  cares  and  the  frivolities  of  life,  the  fact,  that 
he  who  invites  you  to  Christ  from  this  watch-tower  of  Sion, 
is  petitioning  for  your  rescue  in  the  intercessions  of  the  closet. 
Let  it  bring  you  to  thought.     Let  it  arrest  your  wandering    _4 


CHAP.  I.  1-6.)  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  J  J 

Steps.  Let  it  win  you  to  that  Fountain  of  living  waters,  whom 
you  have  been  forsaking  to  hew  out  for  yourselves  "  broken 
cisterns,  that  can  hold  no  water."* 

After  this  kind  expression  of  his  thankfulness,  for  the  spi- 
ritual attainments  of  these  his  children  in  the  Lord,  St.  Paul 
proceeds,  in  the  last  verse  of  the  portion  under  review,  to  state 
an  additional  reason  for  his  grateful  joy  on  their  account. — It 
is  derived  from  the  humble,  but  firm  persuasion,  that  the  same 
grace  which,  in  past  days,  had  brought  them  to  a  knowledge 
of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  and  had  kept  them  thus  far  in 
the  way  of  life,  would  carry  them  to  the  end  in  safety ; 
and  would  bless  their  earnest  prayers  after  the  faith  and  holi- 
ness of  the  gospel.  "Being  confident,"  the  Apostle  declares,  "  of 
this  very  thing,  that  he  which  hath  begun  a  good  work  in 
you,  will  perform  it  until  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ,"  that  is,  until 
the  termination  of  life ;  for  the  Apostle  here  uses  the  period  of 
the  last  judgment  instead  of  the  hour  of  death,  from  a  desire, 
manifested  in  various  other  portions  of  his  writings,  to  keep 
ever  before  the  view  that  day  of  irreversible  retribution  for  the 
wicked,  and  of  signal  triumph  for  the  believer.  The  idea, 
then,  which  St.  Paul  intends  to  convey,  in  the  declaration  before 
us,  is  simply  this  :  that,  in  view  of  the  all-sufficient  grace  of  the 
Redeemer,  he  felt  cheered  with  the  prospect  of  their  future 
destiny ;  that  he  could  safely  leave  them  in  the  guidance  of 
Christ's  sanctifying  Spirit ;  and  was  persuaded,  that  nothing 
would,  or  could  be  wanting,  on  the  part  of  Him  "  from  whom 
all  holy  desires,  all  good  counsels,  and  all  just  works  do  pro- 
ceed," to  perfect  their  growth  in  grace,  and  fit  them  for  his 
kingdom  of  glory.     The  words  before  us,  therefore,  are,  as  you 

*  Jer.  ii.  13. 


12  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  I 

perceive,  a  lively  tesdniony,  such  as  all  the  true  servants  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  delight  to  render,  to  that  divine  strength  which  is 
made  perfect  in  the  sinner's  weakness:  and,  considered  in 
this  view,  they  are  similar  to  that  declaration  of  the  same 
Apostle,  in  one  of  his  epistles  to  Timothy,  "  For  I  know  whom 
I  have  helieved  ;  and  I  am  persuaded,  that  he  is  able  to  keep 
that  which  I  have  committed  unto  him  against  that  day."* 

Having  thus  explained  the  meaning  of  the  Apostle's  decla- 
ration, I  cannot  bring  to  a  better  conclusion  the  present  liec- 
ture,  than  by  fixing  your  minds  upon  the  important  truth  here 
stated  :*that  it  is  the  free,  unmerited,  and  exclusive  grace  of 
God,  which  begins  the  renewed  life  of  the  Christian,  carries  it 
onward  in  its  progress,  and  finally  conducts  it  to  "  the  measure 
of  the  stature  of  the  fulness  of  Christ."     My  beloved  brethren, 
it  is  to  the  last  degree  needful,  that,  in  order  to  be  kept  in  a 
state  of  humble  gratitude,  and   self-renouncing   dependence 
upon  the  strength  of  Jesus,  you  should  have  constantly  in 
remembrance  this  salutary  doctrine :  for  it  is  the  tendency  of 
the  human  mind  to  be  continually  losing  the  impression,  and 
to  turn  inward  for  support  and  confidence  upon  its  own  beg- 
garly resources.     Are  there  any,  then,  within  these  courts  of 
the  liOrd  this  morning,  who,  through  mercy,  have  been  led 
from  the  world  and  its  courses  into  the  paths  of  peace  and 
happiness  ?     Acknowledge  the  power  that  has  brought  you 
hither;  confess,  with  the  full  and  entire  feeling  of  the  Apostle, 
"By  the  grace  of  God  T  am  what  I  nm;"t  and  turn  upward  to 
the  same  heavenly  fountain,  and  to  this  alone,  for  strength  in 
days  to  come.     Is  there  here   present  the  solicitous  inquirer 
after  the  way  of  life ;  one  who  is  walking  in  darkness,  and 
*  II.  Tim.  1.  12.  +  I.  Cor.  xv.  10. 


CHAP.  I.  1— G.J  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHIUPPIANS.  J3 

can  see  no  light ;  and  who,  disappointed  in  his  own  impotent 
endeavors,  is  ready  to  faint  under  the  struggle?  My  dear 
hearer,  learn,  first  of  all,  the  lesson  here  tauglit  in  God's  holy 
word.  Cease  from  all  expectation  in  yourselves  :  look  above, 
and  there  only:  and  with  bended  knees,  and  supplicating 
voice,  put  forth  the  cry,  "  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God, 
and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me  !"  Such  is  the  wholesome 
inference  to  be  drawn  from  these  words  of  inspiration.  May  the 
Lord  give  us  all  the  grace  to  apply  it ;  and  drive  us  to  the  footstool 
of  .Tesus  with  the  Apostle's  exclamation,  "Ijord,  to  whom  shall 
we  go?  thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life." 


14  LECTURES  ON  THE 


LECTURE    II. 


CHAPTER  I.  7—11. 

Even  as  it  is  meet  for  me  to  think  this  of  you  all,  because  I  have 
you  in  my  heart ;  inasmuch  as  both  in  my  bonds,  and  in  the  de 
fence  and  confirniatioii  of  the  gospel,  ye  all  are  partakers  of  my 
grace.  For  God  is  my  record,  how  greatly  I  long  after  you  all 
in  the  bowels  of  Jesus  Christ.  And  this  I  pray,  that  your  love 
may  abound  yet  more  and  more  in  knowledge  and  in  all  judg- 
ment ;  That  ye  may  approve  things  that  are  excellent ;  that  ye 
may  be  sincere  and  without  offence  till  the  day  of  Christ ;  Be- 
ing filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness,  which  are  by  Jesus 
Christ,  unto  the  glory  and  praise  of  God. 

The  Apostle,  having  expressed  to  the  Philippian  beUevers,  as 
you  have  aheady  seen,  his  thankfulness  for  their  spiritual  at- 
tainments ;  and  the  joy  with  which  he  thought  of  them,  and 
offered  up  his  petitions  on  their  behalf  at  the  throne  of  grace  ; 
proceeds,  in  the  portion  now  to  be  considered,  to  state  his  rea- 
son for  this  estimate  of  their  character :  to  renew  his  profes- 
sions of  regard  :  and,  in  addition  to  all  this,  to  convey  to  them 
the  assurance  of  his  prayers  for  their  growth  "  in  grace,  and 
in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ."  Let 
us  follow  the  inspired  writer  through  the  interesting  and  in- 
structive verses,  which  are  here  presented  for  our  consideration. 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHIl.lPX'IANS.  15 

After  having  declared  to  the  PhUippians,  in  such  uniesei  ved 
and  fervent  language,  his  sense  of  the  genuineness  of  their 
Christian  profession,  St.  Paul  adds  very  naturally,  in  the  seventh 
verse,  a  brief  view  of  the  evidence  they  had  afforded  of  their  sin- 
cerity.    He  thus  expresses  himself.     "  Even  as  it  is  meet,"  or 
reasonable,  "  for  me  to  think  this  of  you  all,  because  I  have 
you  in  my  heart ;  inasmuch  as  both  in  my  bonds,  and  in  the 
defence  and  confirmation  of  the  gospel,  ye  all  are  partakers  of  my 
grace."     He  intends,  in  these  v^ords,  to  say,  that  those  to  whom 
he  was  writing  stood  deservedly  high  in  his  esteem,  because 
they  had  endeared  themselves  to  his  affections  by  one  irresisti- 
ble proof  of  their  Christian  love;  namely,  that,  during  all  his 
trials  for  the  gospel's  sake,  his  imprisonment,  his  labors  for  the 
establishment  of  divine  truth  in  the  hearts  of  men,  they  had 
ever  manifested  a   sympathetic  interest  in  the  difficulties  of 
his  ministerial  course.     This  meaning  of  the  language  before 
us  will  be  more  clearly  perceived,  by  attending,  for  a  moment, 
to  some  of  the  terms  used  by  the  Apostle.     He  here  speaks, 
you  perceive,  of  his  "  bonds ;"  referring  evidently  to  the  con- 
finement he  was  then  enduring  in  the  capital  of  the  Roman 
empire.     In  addition  to  this  affliction,  he  mentions  his  obsta- 
cles and  hardships  "  in  the  defence  and  confirmation  of  the 
gospel ;"  alluding  to  his  public  preaching  of  the  doctrines  of 
the  cross,  in  the  face  of  cavilling  philosophers,  and  persecuting 
men  in  power.     In  respect  to  these  two  kinds  of  suffering,  the 
maintenance  of  Christ's  truth  amidst  enemies,  and  the  loss  of 
personal  liberty,  he  declares  that  the  members  of  the  Phihp- 
pian  church  were  "all  partakers  of  his  grace."     The  word 
*'  grace  "  is  used,  in  several  place?,  by  St.  Paul,  in  the  sense  of 
his  office  as  a  minister  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Thus,  in 


16  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  II. 

the  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  he  observes,  "Nevertheless,  bretliren, 
I  have  written  the  more  boldly  unto  you  in  some  sort,  as  put- 
ting you  in  mind,  because  of  the  grace  that  is  given  to  me  of 
God,  that  I  should  be  the  minister  of  Jesus  Christ  to  the  Gen- 
tiles."* So,  likewise,  in  the  Epistle  to  the  Ephesians,  "  Unto 
me,  who  am  less  than  the  least  of  all  saints,  is  this  grace 
given,  that  I  should  preach  among  the  Gentiles  the  unsearcha- 
ble riches  of  Christ."t  When  he  declares,  therefore,  that  of 
this  his  calling  as  an  ambassador  of  heaven  the  Philippians 
were  "  partakers,"  he  obviously  means,  that,  by  their  anxiety 
respecting  him  when  deprived  of  freedom,  and  their  sympathy 
with  his  feelings  while  in  the  discharge  of  his  arduous  duties, 
they  were  actually  sharers,  in  common  with  himself,  of  the 
numerous  trials  and  discouragements  of  his  ministerial  office. 
It  appears,  then,  that  when  the  Apostle,  in  the  verses  to 
which  your  attention  was  invited  in  the  last  Lecture,  exulted 
in  the  Christian  graces  of  these  fellow-disciples,  it  was  not 
without  reasonable  grounds.  Through  the  various  griefs  to 
which  he  had  been  exposed,  their  hearts  had  always  been  with 
him  ;  they  had  given  him  their  daily  prayers  ;  in  all  his  afflic- 
tions for  the  conversion  of  souls,  they  had  been  equally  af- 
flicted. Such  was  the  spirit  that  distinguished  these  primitive 
converts ;  and  it  seems  proper  here  to  pause,  and  hold  up  to 
your  contemplation  this  delightful  example  of  the  ChristiaiCs 
sympathy ^  with  the  trials  of  God's  tninistering  servatiis. 
There  cannot  be  imagined  a  more  lovely  feature  of  the  be- 
liever's renewed  character,  than  that  affectionate  interest  with 
which  he  enters  into  the  conflicts  and  labors  of  the  appointed 

♦  Rom.  XV.  15.  16.  *  Eph.  iii.  8. 


CHAP.  I.  7— 11  ]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.         ^  17 

heralds  of  salvation  :  and  |>aiticulaily  of  him  who,  in  the 
course  of  Providence,  is  his  own  spiritual  guide  to  a  world  of 
immortality  and  glory.  And  yet,  my  brethren,  if  it  is  in  this 
feeling  that  we  perceive  one  of  the  necessary  fruits  of  divine 
grace  within  the  heart,  how  defective  must  we  consider  the  re- 
ligious condition  of  a  vast  proportion  of  those,  who  name  the 
name  of  Christ,  sit  in  our  sanctuaries  as  God's  people,  and,  in 
profession,  are  invested  with  the  character,  and  influenced  by 
the  views  of  Christians !  It  is  not  that  there  is  any  want 
among  the  majority  of  professed  believers,  of  that  kindly  soli- 
citude, which  is  ready  to  mourn  with  the  Christian  minister 
in  his  merely  liuman  sorrows.  Of  this  active  tenderness  and 
friendship,  there  is  as  great  an  abundance  now,  as  in  the  days 
of  the  suffering  Apostle :  but  it  is  in  respect  of  that  higher  and 
spiritual  feeling,  which  follows  the  messenger  of  Christ 
through  his  path  of  daily  discouragement — which  sighs  over 
his  fruitless  endeavors  to  win  souls  to  Christ — and  which,  in 
view  of  these  peculiar  trials  to  which  he  is  subjected,  leads  the 
Christian  disciple  to  aid  him  with  the  secret  and  anxious  co- 
operation of  his  wishes,  and  his  prayers — it  is  by  the  absence 
of  this  species  of  sympathy  among  the  assemblies  of  God's  pro- 
fessing people,  that  he  who  preaches  Jesus  to  a  guilty  world  is 
made  to  feel  that  he  is  toiling  in  solitude  !  "  The  minister  who 
is  placed  over  you  in  the  Lord,"  observes  the  eloquent  and 
pious  Mr.  Jay,*  "  has  his  trials  as  a  man ;  and  he  has  his 
trials  as  a  Christian ;  and  in  addition  to  both  these,  he  has 
trials  peculiar  to  his  office.  Could  he  have  foreseen  all  at  the 
beginning,  he  would  have  been  disheartened  at  the  entrance. 

*  Chiistian  Contemplated,    Lecture  iv. 


Jg  LKUTURE.S  ON  THE  [I.ECT.  II. 

Never  successful  according  to  his  wislies,  and  sometimes  appa- 
rently useless,  he  is  often  ready  to  lay  down  his  commission  at 
his  Master's  feet ;  to  say, '  I  have  labored  in  vain,  I  have  spent 
my  strength  for  nought,  and  in  vain.' "  My  brethren,  are 
there  not  some  of  you,  who  think  not  of  these  tilings  ?  who 
view  the  duties  of  the  ministerial  ofiice,  precisely  as  you  re- 
gard those  of  any  ordinary  and  worldly  avocation  ?  who 
never  dream  of  the  conflicts  which  we  wage  with  the  corrupt, 
and  impenitent,  and  immovable  heart?  and  are,  in  conse- 
quence, never  led  to  offer  up  one  petition  on  our  behalf, 
to  that  Source  of  grace  and  strength  which  can  alone  give  us 
the  victory  ?  But  if  so,  you  are  wanting  in  one  of  the  cha- 
racteristic marks  of  Christ's  real  disciple.  "  Examine  your- 
selves, whether  ye  be  in  the  faith ;  prove  your  own  selves."* 
The  inspired  Apostle  proceeds,  in  the  next  verse,  merely  to 
repeat,  in  another  and  stronger  form,  the  assurance  of  his  af- 
fection for  these  Christian  brethren.  He  appeals  to  the  great 
Searcher  of  hearts  for  the  truth  of  his  professions.  "  For  God 
is  my  record,"  or  rather,  is  my  witness,  "  how  greatly  I  long 
after  you  all  in  the  bowels  of  Jesus  Christ."  The  term 
"  bowels "  here  employed  by  St.  Paul,  to  express  his  attach- 
ment to  the  Philippian  believers,  is  one  of  frequent  use  in  the 
Scriptures  ;  and  signifies  strong  and  ardent  love.  Thus  Za- 
charias,  in  that  song  of  his  which  is  recorded  by  St.  Luke,t 
speaks  of  "  the  tender  mercy  of  our  God,"  which,  literally  ren- 
dered, would  be,  "  the  bowels  of  mercy  of  our  God."  When 
the  Apostle,  then,  says  that  he  was  drawn  towards  these 
brethren  in  the  Lord,  "in  the  bowels  of  Jesus  Christ,"  he 

*  II.  Cor.  xiii.  5.  t  Luke,  i.  76. 


<'H\P.  r.  7-11.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  19 

means  thereby,  that  he  entertained  a  feeling  in  regard  to  them 
similar  to  that  affection  which  our  divine  Master  exhibited, 
for  a  guilty  and  ruined  world.  The  whole  verse,  accordingly, 
has  been  thus  aptly  rendered  by  an  eminent  critic,*  "  For 
God  is  my  witness,  how  I  long  for  you  all  with  the  tender  af- 
fections of  Jesus  Christ."  I  need  not  dwell  upon  the  declara- 
tion before  us  any  longer  than  by  remarking,  in  how  interest- 
ing a  manner  it  exemplifies  a  Christian's  love  for  those,  who 
are  united  in  the  Ijonds  of  a  common  faith.  You  observe  the 
universality  of  the  Apostle's  expression  of  regard.  He  felt  an 
attachment  to  each  and  all  of  them,  without  exception  ;  and, 
however  various  they  might  be  in  rank,  and  intellectual  cha- 
racter, and  human  attainments,  looked  upon  them  as  one  in 
the  love  and  service  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  And  such,  my 
brethren,  is  the  feeling  of  Christ's  real  disciples  toward  each 
other,  in  every  age  and  clime.  It  is  not  to  be  expected,  neither 
is  it  necessary,  that  the  believer  should  feel  equal  emotions  of 
friendship  and  regard,  for  all  that  love  the  Lord  Jesus  in  sin- 
cerity. One  servant  of  God  is  cultivated  by  education,  and 
another  is  destitute  of  this  superior  refinement ;  one  is  favored 
by  Providence  with  many  intellectual  gifts,  another  has  none 
of  these  interesting  endowments ;  and  between  these  two  per- 
sons it  would  be  unreasonable  to  look  for  that  extent  of  attach- 
ment, which  can  only  be  founded  upon  congeniality  of  mind, 
and  the  possession  of  equal  advantages  and  blessings.  Yet, 
notwithstanding,  the  Christian  does  experience,  with  re- 
spect to  all  his  fellow-believers,  a  strong  and  peculiar  species 
of  affection.  It  is  not  so  much  a  human,  as  a  heavenly  feel- 
ing :  it  is  the  tender  love  of  brethren  in  Christ :  it  is  the  union 

*  Wakefield's  New  Testament. 


/ 


20  LErniRES  ON  THE  [I.ECT.  II. 

of  those  who  have  been  redeemed  by  the  same  precious  blood ; 
who  are  gathered  into  the  same  fold  ;  who,  at  the  table  of  a  Sa- 
viour's commemorated  death,  "eat  of  the  same  spiritual  meat, 
and  drink  of  the  same  spiritual  drink."*  This  yearning  of  the 
heart  towards  the  possessors  of  like  hopes,  and  of  a  common 
Master,  is  one  of  the  indications  of  a  divine  renewal,  by  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Let  us  all  bear  this  truth  in  re- 
membrance ;  and  diligently  inquire  whether,  with  St.  John, 
we  can  exclaim,  "  We  know  (hat  we  have  passed  from  death 
unto  life,  because  we  love  the  brethren."! 

With  this  expression  of  love  for  his  distant  friends  at  Phi- 
lippi,  St.  Paul  joins  a  fervent  prayer  for  their  increase  in  all 
the  graces  and  attainments  of  the  life  of  God.  This  desire  of 
his  soul  is  contained  in  the  three  remaining  verses  of  the  jwrtion 
under  review  :  and  is  in  exact  harmony  with  the  spirit  which 
he  manifests,  on  other  occasions  than  the  present.  He  always 
exhibits  the  religion  of  Christ  as  a  principle,  which  when  im- 
planted within  the  believer,  should  be  continually  carrying 
him  onward  to  higher  degrees  of  holiness.  Thus,  for  the 
Christians  of  Colosse  he  prays,  that  they  might  be  "  fruitful  in 
every  good  work,  and  increasing  in  the  knowledge  of  Go<l :"+ 
and  this  petition  is,  in  its  form  and  manner,  very  similar  to  that 
to  which  your  attention  is  now  to  be  called.  The  w^ords  before 
us,  in  the  supplication  which  they  contain  for  the  spiritual  pro- 
gress of  the  Philippians,  present  a  description  of  soiue  of  the 
most  important  features  that  distinguish  the  Christian  charac- 
ter. Let  us  follow  the  Apostle  in  his  delineation,  and  compare 
our  own  attainments  with  the  standard. 

The  Jirsf  Christian  grace  whicli  forms  the  subject  of  the  in- 

*  I.  Cor.  X.  3.  4.  t  I.  John,  iii.  14.  *  Col.  i.  10. 


CHAP.  1. 7— 11.]  EPrSTLR  TO  THE  PHIUPPIANS.  21 

spiled  wriier's  prayer,  is  love. — "And  this  I  pray,  that  your 
love  may  abound  yet  more  and  more."  St.  Paul  refers,  in  this 
place,  to  that  evidence  of  the  Christian's  renewed  condition, 
which  consists  in  his  fervent  love  to  God  :  an  affection  which 
rejoices  in  the  contemplation  of  the  divine  character;  and  which 
uniformly  displays  itself  in  the  imitation  of  that  character, 
by  an  ardent  love  to  men.  Such  is  the  qualification,  then, 
v/hich  the  Apostle  places  first  among  the  objects  of  his  prayer, 
in  behalf  of  these  cherished  friends  ;  and  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
in  other  places,  speak  of  this  divine  affection  as  constituting  the 
chief  and  prominent  feature  of  the  believer's  character.  St.  Paul 
prays  for  the  Ephesians,  that  they  may  be  "  rooted  and 
grounded  in  love."*  St.  .Tude  gives  this  counsel ;  "  Keep 
yourselves  in  the  love  of  God."t  And  our  inspired  writer's 
desire  for  the  Thessalonian  Cliristians,  is  of  the  same  charac- 
ter. "  The  Lord  direct  your  hearts  into  the  love  of  God."+ 
This  heavenly  principle,  therefore,  is  set  forth,  as  you  perceive, 
in  the  word  of  life,  as  the  grand  mark  of  Christ's  followers  in 
the  world.  The  believer,  through  the  teachings  of  divine 
grace,  is  called  into  realizing  views  of  the  unspeakable  good- 
ness and  mercy  of  God  ;  he  discerns  the  wondrous  manifesta- 
tions of  his  Father's  character,  in  the  course  of  providence, 
and  in  the  gift  of  his  dear  Son  ;  and  the  sight  draws  him  from 
every  other  object  to  this  gracious  Being,  as  the  "  chief  among 
ten  thousand,"  and  the  "  altogether  lovely."  The  whole  life, 
indeed,  of  the  servant  of  God,  may  be  defined  to  be  a  course  of 
grateful  contemplation  of  his  Creator,  Preserver,  and  Redeem- 
er ;  and  the  necessary  and  invariable  accompaniment  of  such 
a  spirit,  is  an  active  benevolence  to  man.     This  is  the  love  that 

*  Eph.  111.  17.  t  Jiule,  21.  t  II.  TI.ess.  iii.  5. 


22  i.rcriiRKsoNTiii;  [LECt.  ii 

distino^uished  the  fiiithful  at  Philippi,  and  for  the  increase  of 
which  the  Apostle,  in  tlie  woids  before  us,  so  fervently  im- 
plores. Tt  is  the  great  attribute  of  the  renewed  man :  "  He 
that  dwelleth  in  love,  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him."* 

But  secondly ;  the  Apostle  desires  that  this  love  to  God 
might  be  enlightened  and  discriminating  in  its  chtiracter. 
— "This  fpray,"  says  he,  "that  your  love  may  abound  yet 
more  and  more  in  knowledge  and  in  all  judgment."  The 
words  here  rendered  "  knowledge"  and  "judgment,"  are  very 
nearly  the  same  in  signification  ;  and  imply  that  sound  and 
discerning  mind,  which  turns  the  affections  to  their  proper  ob- 
ject. Such  is  the  quality,  by  which  St.  Paul  asks  that  these 
Philippians  may  be  distinguished  ;  and,  my  brethren,  if  there 
be  one  featme  that  separates  the  real  Christian's  love  for  God, 
from  the  vague  and  indefinite  feeling  of  so  many  professed 
believers,  it  is  that  clear  perception  here  described  by  the  Apostle. 
If  you  go  to  numbers  of  God's  nominal  servants  around  you, 
and  inquire  of  them  whether  that  blessed  Being  is  the  object  of 
their  affection,  they  will  instantly  reply  in  the  affirmative. 
But  what  is  the  nature  of  this  pretended  attachment  1  It  is 
altogether  blind,  and  confused,  and  imperfect.  It  is  founded 
upon  no  experimental  acquaintance  with  the  character  of 
God,  and  with  his  claims  upon  their  devotion  and  gratitude. 
It  sees  nothing  of  his  mercy,  in  the  providential  dealings  of  his 
hand ;  it  has  never  tasted  the  comforts  of  his  redeeming  love  ; 
and,  in  consequence,  amidst  the  firmest  and  most  confident 
protestations  of  affection,  the  principle  is  utterly  wanting. 
From  this  merely  general  feeling,  let  us  tmn  to  that  of  the  re- 
newed servant  of  God.     This  man,   the  subject  of  Christ's 

*  I.  John,  iv.  16. 


CHAP.  I.  7— 11. 7  EPli^TLETOTllE  i'JiILIPPI.Vi\e.  23 

illumitiatiQg  Spirit,  knows  in  whom  he  hiis  l)eHeved ;  and, 
because  he  thus  knows  him,  loves  him  with  a  real  aflection 
— an  attachment  built  upon  soUd  grounds — a  homage  ehcitcd 
by  the  inward  and  pervading  consciousness  of  multiphed  obh- 
gations.  Such  is  the  converted  Christian's  love  to  God  ;  and 
the  same  discriminating  character  marks  his  love  to  man.  His 
liberality  abounds,  but  it  is  "  in  knowledge  and  in  all  judg- 
ment." He  wisely  selects  the  objects  of  his  charity  ;  he  per- 
ceives in  what  cases  to  give,  and  in  what  to  withhold ; 
amidst  all  the  promptings  of  his  compassion,  he  keeps  "  sound 
wisdom  and  discretion."* 

Let  us  pass  on  to  a  third  characteristic  mark  of  the  Chris- 
tian, as  here  set  forth  by  the  Apostle ;  his  decided  preference 
of  the  unsearchable  riches  of  the  gosjjel,  to  the  dross  of  an 
unsatisfying-  ivoild.  "  That  ye  may  approve,"  or.  choose, 
'  things  that  are  excellent,"  are  the  words  in  which  he  conti- 
nues his  prayer,  for  these  primitive  converts  at  Philippi. — Such 
are  the  superior  objects  on  which  the  pilgrim  to  heaven  fastens 
his  heart ;  and  let  us,  for  an  instant,  follow  him  through  one 
or  two  of  the  instances,  in  which  he  exempUfies  this  wise 
and  elevated  choice.  The  world  oifers  liim  its  pleasures : 
but  he  sees  their  leanness  and  their  brevity ;  and,  looking  be- 
yond this  fleeting  condition,  lays  hold  upon  that  favor  of  God 
which  is  "hfe,"  and  that  loving-kindness  which  is  "better 
than  life."  It  tenders  him  its  honor-.  He  rejects  the  gift; 
he  loves  the  praise  of  God,  better  than  the  praise  of  men  ;  and, 
with  true  sublimity,  aspires  to  that  crown  of  life,  which  re- 
mains for  those  who  "  have  washed  their  robes,  and  made 
them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb  "t     It  hokl.s  out  to  him 

*  Prov.  in.  21.  t  Rev.  vn.  14. 


24  LECTURES  ON  THE  LLECl.  11. 

the  line  of  its  gains.  Here,  too,  his  enUglitened  vision  leads 
him  to  despise  an  earthly,  and  to  seek  after  a  heavenly  por- 
tion. An  interest  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  by  faith,  is  the 
only  treasure  that  he  desires ;  to  tliis,  therefore,  he  cleaves,  as 
to  that  which  rust  cannot  corrupt,  and  which  thieves  cannot 
steal. — This,  brethren,  is  the  true  Christian's  choice :  if  any 
of  you,  therefore,  amidst  your  professions  of  being  the  Lord's 
servants,  are  ensnared  with  the  frivolities  of  the  world,  or  car- 
ried away  with  its  ambition,  or  influenced  with  the  inordinate 
love  of  its  riches,  you  are  none  of  his.  You  do  not  in  reality 
"  approve  things  that  are  excellent ;"  you  are  earthly  ;  you  are 
of  those  whom  the  Apostle  describes,  "  They  that  are  after 
the  flesh,  do  mind  the  things  of  the  flesh."* 

In  the  next  and  fourth  topic  of  his  petition,  St.  Paul  de- 
'^  scribes  another  conspicuous  quality  in  the  children  of  God  : 

their  earnest  desire  and  study  tliat,  hy  their  example,  the 
gospel  of  Christ  he  not  blasphemed. — "  That  ye  may  be  sin- 
cere, or,  in  other  words,  free  from  stain  and  reproach,  "  and 
without  ofl'ence  till  the  day  of  Christ."  The  word  rendered 
"  without  offence,"  refers  to  one  who  is  careful  not  to  be  an  oc- 
casion, through  any  faults  or  inconsistencies  in  his  own  corr- 
duct,  of  stumbling  and  ruin  to  others.  The  very  same  ex- 
pression is  used  by  the  Apostle,  in  his  First  Epistle  to  the  Co- 
rinthians ;  where  he  says,  "  Give  none  offence,  neither  to  the 
Jews,  nor  to  the  Gentiles,  nor  to  the  church  of  God."t  There 
is  perhaps  nothing,  my  brethren,  by  which  the  real  follower  of 
Jesus  is  more  distinctly  marked,  than  by  this  tender,  conscien- 
tious, trembling  apprehension,  lest  he  should  prove  an  injury 

*  Koiii.  viii.  5.  t  I.  Cor.  X.  32. 


CHAP.  1.  7-11.]  EPlSTLKTOTHIiPIIll.lPPIAN:^.  25 

to  the  cause  of  that  sacred  Master,  under  vvliose  banners  lie 
has  once  enlisted.  He  feels,  as  he  travels  on  the  pilgrimage 
of  life,  the  deep  sense  of  his  station  and  responsibilities ;  and 
is  too  much  concerned  for  tlie  honor  of  divine  grace,  and  the 
character  of  Christ's  holy  religion,  not  to  be  under  an  hourly 
dread  of  the  very  thought,  that,  through  his  instruraentahty, 
this  religion  should  be  "  wounded  in  the  house  of  its  friends." 
In  conformity  with  this  holy  principle,  he  marches  onward 
through  this  region  of  temptations :  he  remembers  that  he  is 
observed :  and,  anxious  to  strengthen  in  the  wicked,  in  the 
wavering,  and  in  the  believer,  the  conviction  that  the  gospel  is 
true,  he  turns  neither  to  the  right  hand  nor  to  the  left ;  he 
comes  out  from  the  follies  and  dissipation  of  the  world  ;  and 
seeks  to  shew  himself  as  one  who  is  crucified  to  life,  and  has 
set  his  afibction  on  eternal  realities.  This  is  his  course ;  and 
it  produces  its  measure  of  good  results  in  regard  to  others. 
They  confess  that,  in  him,  profession  and  conduct  are  in  har- 
mony ;  and  if  they  are  not  won  by  the  spectacle,  he^  at  any 
rate,  can  exclaim,  "  I  am  pure  from  the  blood  of  all  men." 

The  Apostle  concludes  this  summary  of  Christian  attain- 
ments with  the  petition,  that  the  Philippian  converts  may 
abound  in  deeds  of  holiness.  "  Being  filled  "  says  he,  "  with 
the  fruits  of  righteousness,  which  are  by  Jesus  Christ,  unto 
the  glory  and  praise  of  God."  In  other  words  ;  He  that  is  in- 
fluenced by  the  grace  of  the  Redeemer,  will  display  that  grace 
by  every  good  and  excellent  work ;  be  this,  therefore,  your 
humble  aim  ;  and,  by  fervent  charity,  and  an  active  and  prac- 
tical benevolence,  and  a  steady  conformity  to  the  image  of 
your  divine  Master,  evince  the  reality  of  your  spiritual  change. 
— St.  Paul,  then,  in  the  language  before  us,  clearly  maintains 


26  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS. 

the  position,  that  the  real  Christian  is,  in  all  instances,  a  pat- 
tern of  love  unfeigned,  and  of  universal  holiness  of  life :  but 
the  principal  consideration  to  which  I  would  lead  your  minds, 
is  the  origin  to  which  these  blessed  fruits  are  here  traced  by 
the  pen  of  inspiration.  Mark  the  expressions  of  the  Apostle. 
They  are  "  by  Jesus  Christ ;"  or,  in  other  words,  they  are  the 
offspring  of  his  sanctifying  Spirit,  and  of  that  alone :  and 
they  are  "  unto  the  glory  and  praise  of  God  :"  that  is,  they  all 
tend  to  shew  the  power  of  that  almighty  Agent,  who  has  de- 
scended into  the  barren  desert  of  the  heart,  and  made  it  to 
blossom  like  the  rose. — This  important  truth,  therefore,  let  me, 
in  conclusion,  leave  with  the  reflections  of  every  professing 
Christian  within  this  sanctuary  to-day.  Does  your  character, 
my  brethren,  correspond  with  the  Apostle's  impressive  portrait, 
in  the  verses  which  have  been  this  morning  considered  ?  Are 
you  filled  with  love  to  God,  and  benevolence  to  men  ?  Is  this 
love  founded  upon  the  sure  basis  of  a  discriminating  and  sound 
knowledge  ?  Do  you  deliberately  prefer  the  narrow  way  that 
leadeth  unto  life,  to  the  broad  road  of  destruction  ?  Are  you 
diligent  to  maintain,  in  all  your  career,  a  regular  and  consis- 
tent example  1  Is  the  light  of  your  works  shining,  with  a 
steady  lustre,  before  the  eyes  of  men  ?  Are  these  things  so  ? 
If  not,  your  profession  is  vain :  but  if  such  be  the  true  repre- 
sentation of  your  doings,  all  is  of  God  ;  he  is  the  great,  first 
Cause  of  your  excellent  doings ;  "  by  grace  are  ye  saved, 
through  faith ;  and  that  not  of  yourselves,  it  is  the  gift  of 
God."; 


^ 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIIILIPPIANS.  27 


LECTURE    III. 


CHAPTER  I.  12—18. 

But  I  would  ye  should  understand,  brethren  that  the  things 
which  happened  unto  me  have  fallen  out  rather  unto  the  fur- 
therance of  the  gospel ;  So  that  my  bonds  in  Christ  are  mani- 
fest in  all  the  palace,  and  in  all  other  places  ;  And  many  of 
the  brethren  in  the  Lord,  waxing  confident  by  my  bonds,  are 
much  more  bold  to  speak  the  word  without  fear.  Some  indeed 
preach  Christ  even  of  envy  and  strife  ;  and  some  also  of  good 
will.  The  one  preach  Christ  of  contention,  not  sincerely, 
supposing  to  add  affliction  to  my  bonds  :  But  the  other  of  love, 
knowing  that  I  am  set  for  the  defence  of  the  gospel.  What 
then  ?  notwithstanding,  every  way,  whether  in  pretence  or  in 
truth,  Christ  is  preached ;  and  I  therein  do  rejoice,  yea,  and 
will  rejoice. 

The  Apostle,  in  the  verses  now  to  be  considered,  passes  to  a 
fresh  and  highly  interesting  topic  ;  that  of  his  present  suffer- 
ings in  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer's  gospel.  It  is  to  be  recol- 
lected, that  St.  Paul  was  now  confined  as  a  prisoner  in  Rome  ; 
and  when  we  call  to  mind  the  intimate  connexion  which  had 
subsisted  between  the  Philippians  and  himself,  and  the  deep 
affection  that  people  bore  towards  him  as  a  minister,  and  as  a 
friend,  it  appears  altogether  natural  that  he  should  wish  to  re- 


28  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT  111. 

lieve  their  anxieties,  b}?^  some  tidings  in  regard  to  his  real  situ- 
ation. Having,  therefore,  conveyed  to  these  beloved  fellow- 
Christians  his  congratulations  on  their  faith  and  love,  and  his 
prayers  for  their  advancement  in  holiness,  he  turns  to  himself 
as  the  subject ;  and  transmits  to  them  the  intimation,  that, 
even  amidst  the  bitterness  of  captivity,  he  was  enabled,  all 
things  considered,  to  "  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  and  to  joy  in  the 
God  of  his  salvation."* 

To  cheer  the  spirits  of  his  absent  and  solicitous  friends,  St. 
Paul  thus  addresses  them,  in  the  first  verse  of  the  portion  now 
under  review.  "  But  I  would  ye  should  understand,  brethren, 
that  the  things  which  happened  unto  me,"  that  is,  my  bonds 
for  Christ's  sake,  "  have  fallen  out  rather  unto  the  furtherance 
of  the  gospel ;"  by  which  he  intends  to  say :  I  feel  exceed- 
ingly anxious  that  your  hearts  should  not  be  discouraged,  nor 
"  faint  at  my  tribulations  ;"t  for  these  calamities,  having  been 
all  overruled  for  good,  and  made  subservient  to  the  advance- 
ment of  your  Master's  cause,  are  only  blessings  in  disguise. — 
From  what  we  know,  my  brethren,  by  our  own  experience, 
of  the  sliort-sightedness  and  unbelief  of  the  human  mind,  we 
may  readily  conceive  of  three  distinct,  and  mournful  impres- 
sions, which  may  have  been  produced  upon  these  Philippian 
brethren  by  the  circumstance  of  the  Apostle's  imprisonment. 
On  the  one  hand,  they  would  be  disposed  to  regard  this  even  p 
as  a  subject  for  unmingled  grief;  and,  when  they  thought  of 
the  situation  of  their  revered  teacher,  to  consider  him  only  as 
a  person,  who  had  been  visited  with  one  of  the  severest  of  hu- 
man trials,  and  as  an   object  of  sympathy  and  compassion. 

*  Hab.  lii.  18.  t  Eph.  lii.  13. 


CHAP.  I.  12—18.1  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHIIilPPlANS.  29 

This  is  the  habit,  in  too  great  a  degree,  even  of  the  enlight- 
ened servants  of  God.  In  the  darker  dispensations  of  Provi- 
dence, they  see  nothing  but  misery  ;  and,  instead  of  looi<ing 
at  all  sides  equally,  and  waiting  in  faith  and  patience  for  the 
final  development,  they  can  only  mourn  under  chastisements. 
But,  besides  this  feeling  of  deep  sorrow  at  the  Apostle's  capti- 
vity, there  would  probably  enter  into  the  minds  of  some  of  the 
Philippians,  as  they  thought  of  his  suflferings,  a  momentary 
doubt  as  to  the  truth  and  blessedness  of  religion  ;  when  they 
thus  beheld  one  of  its  chief  and  most  heroic  defenders  aban- 
doned to  imprisonment  and  shame.  This,  also,  is  one  of  the 
temptations  of  real  believers.  They  see,  as  they  cast  their  eyes 
around  them,  some  of  the  Lord's  people  subjected  to  trials  and 
privations,  and  the  wicked  "  prospering  in  the  world  :"*  and, 
without  reflecting  that  their  heavenly  Father  may  have  some 
merciful  intent  in  these  arrangements,  are  ready  to  conclude 
that  all  is  a  deception,  and  that  there  are  no  peculiar  privileges 
for  the  Christian.  Or  further ;  it  may  possibly  have  been 
imagined  by  these  primitive  believers,  that,  as  their  great  and 
venerated  friend  was  now  restrained  from  farther  exertions, 
the  cause  of  the  gospel  would  be  materially  retarded  :  for  the 
human  mind  is  ever  losing  sight  of  the  Almighty's  arm,  and 
resting  upon  secondary  causes ;  and,  because  Providence  re- 
moves one  of  his  instruments  out  of  the  way,  gives  up  all  as 
ruined  and  lost. — In  order  to  put  an  end  to  these  various 
feelings  of  his  brethren  at  Philippi,  St.  Paul  informs  them 
that  his  troubles  had  led  to  the  happiest  results  ;  and  in  what 
manner  they  had  contributed  to  the  success  of  the  gospel,  let 
us  hear  from  his  own  description. 

*  Ps.  Ixxiii.  12, 


% 


30  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  III. 

And  1 .  The  Apostle  tells  them  that  his  imprisonment,  dark 
and  disastrous  as  the  visitation  seemed,  had  been  the  means 
of  spreading  the  knowledge  of  Christ  among  those  who  were 
before    ignorant   of  his    religion. — "  So    that    my  bonds    in 
Christ,"  he  observes,  "  are  manifest  in  all  the  palace,  and  in 
all    other    places ;"    or,    in    other  words,    it    is    now  become 
notorious,  not  only  in  the  imperial  residence,  but  generally 
throughout    the    capital,  that    I    am    a  captive  for    the  gos- 
pel of  tlie  liord  Jesus ;  and  this  has  led  many,  who  were  pre- 
viously  unacquainted  with  the  claims  and  character  of  the  Sa- 
viour, to  commence  an  active  and  personal  examination.     By 
turning  to  the  conclusion  of  this  Epistle,  you  will  find  the  in- 
spired writer  making  reference  to  the  saints  that  were  "  of  Ce- 
sar's household  ;"*  from  which  it  appears,  that  some  of  the 
emperor's  retinue  had  actually  cast  in  their  lot  among  the  pro- 
fessing followers  of  Christ.     These  persons  ha^,  in  all  proba- 
bility, been  induced  to  begin  their  attention  to  the  divine  truths 
of  religion,  by  the  circumstance  of  St.  Paul's  incarceration  for 
the  defence  of  them.     The  fact  would  awaken  their  curiosity ; 
they  would  be  excited  to  inquire  and  investigate ;  and  would 
thus  be  gradually  conducted  from  the  darkness  of  unbelief 
and  error,  into  an  experimental  acquaintance  with  the  way  of 
life.     This,  therefore,  was  one  of  the  ways,  in  which  the  con- 
finement of  the  Apostle  tended  to  the  promotion  of  that  very 
cause,  which,  according  to  human  calculations,  it  was  destined 
to  wither  and  destroy ;  and  the  instance  now  before  us,  my 
brethren,  exemplifies  most  beautifully  that  divine  wisdom  and 
mercy,  which  out  of  the  bitter  can  bring  forth  sweetness,  and  L 
make  the  seeming  evils  of  life  conducive  to  real  and  perma-  ^ 

*  Ch.  iv.  22. 


CHAP.  I.  12—18]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  31 

nent  good.  He  upon  whom  the  hopes  of  the  church  rested, 
was  in  chains.  The  servants  of  God  mourned  for  himself 
as  an  individual,  and  for  the  blighted  prospects  of  that  reli- 
gion which  he  defended.  But  their  views  were  narrow  :  the 
Redeemer  did  all  things  well :  men  that  had  never  heard 
of  Christ,  now  owned  him  as  their  Lord  and  their  God : 
and  numbers  were  added  to  the  church  of  "  such  as  should  be 
saved."* 

A  second  mode  in  which  the  Apostle's  trials  had  operated 
to  the  advantage  of  religion,  he  proceeds  thus  to  state.  "  And 
many  of  the  brethren  in  the  Lord,"  that  is,  preachers  of  the 
gospel,  "  waxing  confident  by  my  bonds,  are  much  more  bold 
to  speak  the  word  without  fear."  The  word  rendered  "  wax- 
ing confident,"  is  very  expressive ;  and  denotes  that  clear,  sa- 
tisfactory, and  firm  trust  in  the  reality  of  religion,  which  these 
persons  had  acquired  by  the  sight  of  St.  Paul's  behavior  under 
his  sufferings.  The  inspired  writer  intends,  therefore,  to  say, 
that,  so  far  from  the  gospel  having  been  impeded  in  its 
course  by  his  imprisonment,  an  exactly  opposite  result  had 
taken  place :  for  that  the  ministering  servants  of  the  Lord, 
beholding  the  submission,  fortitude,  and  entire  acquiescence  in 
the  divine  will,  with  which  he  had  been  enabled  to  bear  his 
afflictions,  had  therein  perceived  a  new  testimony  to  the  power 
of  the  grace  of  God ;  and  had  gone  forth  with  added  energy 
to  deliver  the  message  of  One,  who  thus  supported  his  ser- 
vants in  the  dark  hour  of  their  extremity, — Behold,  then,  in 
this  spirit  of  holy  daring  with  which  those  early  preachers 
were  inspired,  another  blessed  fruit  of  the  Apostle's  trials. 
And,  my  brethren,  you  need  not  wonder  that  such  an  effect 

*  ActB,  ii.  47. 


32  LliCTIlRESON  TKi;  [LtCT.  III. 

was  produced  upon  their  minds,  by  the  spectacle  of  his  con- 
stancy and  rejoicing  ;  loi  it  there  be  one  bright  and  incontro- 
vertible evidence  of  the  truth  of  that  religion  we  profess,  it  is 
the  manner  in  which  it- sustains  its  disciples,  when  all  the  con- 
solations of  this  world  have  departed.  Call  to  mind  the  im- 
pression that  has,  at  different  times,  been  wrought  upon  your 
own  hearts,  by  the  sight  of  believers  rising  in  triumph  above 
the  bitterest  of  human  trials.  You  have  seen  them  plunged 
from  affluence  into  poverty  ;  stripped  of  the  objects  of  dearest 
affection  ;  visited  with  sickness ;  subjected  to  mortifications  and 
disappointment ;  and  yet,  amidst  all,  preserving  the  same  even 
tenor  of  contented  cheerfulness:  and  what  has  been  the  con- 
clusion you  have  drawn  as  you  beheld  them?  You  have  felt 
as  if  an  argument  for  the  reality  of  faith  was  here  pre- 
sented, superior  to  all  besides  ;  you  have  thought  with  dehght, 
that  in  this  case,  at  least,  there  could  be  no  deception ;  and 
f  have  poured  forth  new  ascriptions  to  that  Spirit  of  grace, 
I  which  could  thus  call  forth  songs  of  sweetest  praise  from  the 
5  furnace  of  affliction.  From  your  own  experience,  therefore, 
you  may  conceive  of  the  frame  of  soul  in  which  these  minis- 
ters of  Jesus  went  forth  to  their  labors,  from  the  scene  of  the 
Apostle's  imprisonment ;  and  of  the  superior  ardor,  with  which 
they  would  now  preach  to  a  guilty  world  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ.  And  it  is  in  the  fact  of  this  quickened  zeal 
of  God's  autbassadors  in  his  service,  that  we  are  furnished 
with  another  proof  of  the  unreasonableness  of  mourning  under 
trials.  His  confinement  was  one  of  the  choicest  of  blessings ;  it 
warmed  the  spirit  of  every  herald  of  the  cross  with  new  devo- 
tion ;  and,  through  these  more  engaged  and  animated  efforts. 


CHAP.  I.   12— 18]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILirPIANS.  33 

fresh   multitudes  received  Chi  i^^t  ia  tlieir  hearts,  "  the  hope  of 
glory."* 

Such  were  tiie  two  advantages,  which,  as  tlie  Apostle  tells 
us,  had  resulted  to  the  cause  of  Jesus,  from  the  captivity  lie 
was  thea  enduring.  Before  pas-sing  to  the  next  part  of  his 
observations,  it  may  be  instructive  to  contemplate,  for  an  in- 
stant, the  delightful  model  he  has  here  furnished,  of  the  man- 
ner in  which  the  Christian  should  look  at  all  the  adverse  cir- 
cumstances of  his  life.  Consider  the  actual  situation  of  St. 
Paul,  when  he  penned  the  words  that  have  just  passed  in  re- 
view. He  was  a  prisoner :  and  few  calamities  are  more  ag- 
gravating to  the  human  spirit  than  bondage.  And  yet  what 
is  the  view  which  you  here  find  him  taking,  of  this  bitter  and 
humbling  visitation?  It  is  simply  that  of  a  thankful  recogni- 
tion of  God's  merciful  designs  in  the  allotment :  and,  instead 
of  turning  with  restless  discontent  to  his  own  condition,  he 
traces  the  blessings  with  which  it  was  connected  ;  joyfully  dis- 
cerns the  kindness  with  which  mercy  had  been  mingled  with 
judgment ;  and  because,  through  his  sufferings,  the  cross  of 
Christ  had  been  more  widely  proclaimed,  and  additional  souls 
had  been  converted  and  saved,  he  is  seen,  according  to  his 
own  touching  language  upon  another  occasion,  "  glorying  in 
tribulations  also."t  Now,  my  dear  hearers,  this  happy  mode 
of  surveying  the  dark  providences  of  his  pilgrimage,  is  rightly 
enough  considered  as  one  of  the  distinguishing  privileges  of  the 
Christian :  and  yet  who  among  you  that  examines  his  own 
experience,  or  the  conduct  of  too  many  of  the  Saviour's  disci- 
ples, can  say  that  it  is  the  believer's  unvarying  spirit  amidst 
the  trials  of  his  course  ?     Let  me  invite  you,  then,  to  come  to 

*  Col.  i.  27.  t  Rom.  v.  3.      / 


^ 


^w 


34  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  III. 

the  verses  before  us  for  instruction  ;  and,  sitting  down  with 
the  Apostle  in  his  prison,  to  follow  out,  through  all  the  sor- 
rows of  existence,  the  finger  of  a  wise  and  merciful  Disposer. 
When  the  Almighty  visits  you  with  the  rod  of  affliction,  you 
find  it  hard  to  see  a  blessing  in  the  dispensation.     But  the 
reason  is,  that  you  do  not,  like  this  primitive  servant  of  God, 
make  the  endeavor  to  look  for  it :  or  you  would  with  gratitude 
discover,  that,  in  robbing  you  of  some  earthly  comfort,  the 
Lord  was  calling  your  affections  heavenward  ;  that  in  making 
your  path  thorny  and  difficult,  his  design  was  to  awaken  the 
remembrance  of  your  iniquities  and  sins ;  that,  in  defeating 
sotoe  favorite  plan,  he  was  preventing  "evil  to  come,"  and 
saving  you  from  the  mournful  catastrophe  of  being  ruined  at 
your  own  request.     But  let  us  admit,  that  the  believer  cannot, 
in   all    cases,  imagine  any  profitable  end  in  his  afflictions. 
Even  so  it  may  be :  yet  is  it  not  possible,  that  the  intention  which 
is  hidden  now,  may  be  fully  disclosed  at  some  future  period  ? 
When  John  Newton,  about  to  let  down  the  boat  from  the 
ship's  side,  and  to  proceed  in  it  to  his  accustomed  station  on 
the  African  coast,  was  suddenly  forbidden  by  his  commander, 
he  was  disappointed :  but  that  night  the  boat  sunk,  and  he 
who  had  gone  as  his  substitute  perished  in  the  waters  of  the 
river:  and  this  eminent  servant  of  God  was  constrained  to  ac- 
knowledge, that  the  Father  of  heaven  may  have  merciful  in- 
tentions in  frustrating  our  desires,  though,  at  the  time,  he  conceals 
them  from  our  vision,*  Under  such  circumstances,  therefore,  my 
brethren,  "in  patience  possess  your  souls :"  what  now  you  know 
not,  believe  that  "you  shall  know  hereafter  :"t  and  by  the  cheer 

*  Authentic  Narrative.  Letter  x.  t  John,  xiii.  7. 


f 


CHAP.  1.12—18.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHH^IPPIANS.  35 

fulness  with  which,  in  all  scenes  and  situations,  3'ou  see  love 
and  wisdom  shining  from  above,  exemplify  that  portrait  of  a 
Christian's  blessedness,  drawn  by  the  pencil  of  Archbishop 
Leighton.  "  Thus  solid,"  says  he,  "  is  the  happiness  of  the 
saints,  that  in  the  lowest  condition  it  remains  the  same :  in 
disgraces,  in  caves,  in  prisons  and  chains,  cast  them  where 
you  will,  still  they  are  happy."* 

Having  thus  described  the  good  effect  which  had  resulted 
from  his  imprisonment,  in  the  increased  zeal  of  his  brethren 
in  the  ministry,  the  Apostle  goes  on  to  advert  to  a  topic  ex- 
ceedingly painful  in  its  nature.  Among  those  who,  in  the 
primitive  church,  were  engaged  in  the  office  of  preachers,  there 
were  some  who  had  become  converts  from  the  Jewish  faith  ; 
and  who,  in  their  delivery  of  the  gospel  message,  recommend- 
ed, together  with  several  of  the  doctrines  of  Christ,  an  observ- 
ance of  the  abrogated  institutions  of  the  Mosaic  dispensation. 
These  persons  were  the  source  of  multiplied  griefs  and  anx- 
ieties to  St.  Paul,  during  the  whole  course  of  his  ministerial 
labors ;  and  their  perpetual  endeavor  was  to  create  a  faction, 
among  the  members  of  the  different  churches,  in  opposition  to 
his  apostolic  authority.  With  such  malignant  adversaries  he 
was  now  annoyed  at  Rome :  so  that,  while  there  were  some 
heralds  of  salvation  who  were  of  the  true  Christian  spirit, 
others,  on  the  contrary,  were  converting  the  great  duties  of 
their  office  into  instruments  of  intrigue,  self-aggrandizement, 
and  discord.  Let  us  hear  the  Apostle's  account  of  these  teach- 
ers of  the  word.  "  Some  indeed,"  he  states,  "  preach  Christ 
even  of  envy  and  strife ;"  or,  in  other  words,  their  labors  are 
/  stimulated  merely  by  jealousy  of  my  station  and  influence, 

♦  Commentary  on  I.  Peter ;  at  Ch.  iv.  verse  14. 


<:> 


36  LECTIIRRSON  THE  [LECT.  111. 

and  in  a  spirit  of  wicked  rivalry  :  and  he  proceeds  to  portray 
their  character  still  farther  in  the  sixteenth  verse,  where  he 
says  ;   "  The  one  preach  Christ  of  contention,  not  sincerely, 
supposing  to  add  affliction  to  my  bonds  ;"  that  is,  their  whole 
object  is  to  produce  an  alienation  of  feeling  from  my  person  ; 
their   motives  are   not  pure  and  single  ;    they  enjoy  a  secret 
,  pleasure  in  the  thought,  that,  while  I  am  lying  in  imprison- 
I  ment,  they  will  be  able  to  gain  the  affections  of  the  people 
I   wholly  to  themselves.     These  are  the  men  whom  he   con- 
•  trasts  with  others  of  God's  ministering  servants,  of  a  better 
and  holier  character  ;    and  of  whom  he  tells   us,  that   their 
preaching  was  "  of  good-will,"  that  is,  out  of  a  pure,  unmixed 
desire   for  the  everlasting    salvation  of  men  ;    "  and  of  love 
knowing  that  I  am  set  for  the  defence  of  the  gospel,"  by  which 
he  means  to  say,  that  they  were  full  of  affection  for  the  great 
work  of  converting  sinners  unto  God  ;    and,  as  the  Apostle 
was  placed  by  divine  Providence  in  the  ministry,  for  the  im- 
portant purpose  of  establishing  Christ's  truth  against  all  the 
gainsayings  of  Jews  and  Gentiles,  that  they  were  anxious  to 
assist  him  in  this  object,  and  to  supply  the  present  loss  of  his 
services  by  their  own  increased  diligence  in  the  cause. 

From  the  description  of  the  Apostle,  as  thus  briefly  illus- 
trated, it  appears  that  those  factious  leaders  of  whom  he  com- 
plains did  correctly  exhibit  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  :  it  seems 
probable,  therefore,  that,  perceiving  the  success  of  the  gospel  as 
proclaimed  in  all  its  purity  by  St.  Paul,  and  in  order  still  more 
effectually  to  procure  the  hearts  of  men  in  their  favor,  they 
concealed  their  own  peculiar  creed,  and  unfolded  the  cross  of 
a  dying  Saviour  as  the  single  medium  of  acceptance.  These 
persons,  then,  my  brethren,  acted  the  depraved  and  monstrous 


CHAP.  I.  12-18.]  EPISTLK  TO  TFIK  IMIIMPPIAN.S.  37 

deception,  of  proclaiming  the  gospel  of  the  Son  of  God,  while 
they  themselves  were  hypocrites  in  heart ;  and  let  us,  from 
the  representation  here  given,  draw  for  our  instruction  the  im- 
portant doctrine  which  it  teaches.  The  inference  to  which  I 
would  lead  your  minds,  is  that  of  the  superior  honor  which 
God  puts  upon  his  own  preached  word,  by  snaking  it  suc- 
cessful to  the  conversion  of  sinners,  notwithstanding  the 
sins  and  unworthiness  of  its  messengers.  How  was  it  with 
these  primitive  ambassadors  of  the  Lord  Jesus  ?  They  were 
slaves  of  rancorous  animosity  against  the  most  distinguished 
of  apostles  :  and  yet,  because  they  held  up  Christ,  in  all  his 
fulness,  to  a  dying  and  condemned  world,  they  were  the 
means  of  increasing  the  numbers  of  the  Redeemer's  flock  in 
the  very  centre  of  heathen  idolatry.  And  so  it  has  ever  been 
found,  from  that  early  period  to  the  present.  Men  have  in- 
truded themselves  into  the  sacred  office,  who  have  been  des- 
titute even  of  outward  morality  of  life :  and  yet  Christ's 
gospel,  delivered  from  their  mouths  in  its  native  simplicity  and 
excellence,  has  been  made,  through  God's  Spiiit,  to  uncoimted 
thousands,  "the  power  of  God  unto  salvation."*  /  But  let  us 
pass  from  these  wolves  in  the  clothing  of  sheep,  to  persons  of  a 
far  better  and  more  elevated  character.  There  are,  as  you  are 
well  aware,  those  among  the  preachers  of  the  truth  of  Jesus, 
who,  together  with  this  truth,  deliver  much  that  is  dictated  by 
party  feeling,  and  by  an  intolerant  spirit  against  all  from 
whom  they  differ.  One,  for  example,  owing  either  to  a  tem- 
per naturally  strong,  or  to  the  contracting  and  hardening  in- 
fluences of  his  early  education,  deals  forth  with  violence  the 
peculiarities  of  the  system  of  Calvin  ;  and,  in  his  anxiety  to 

♦  Rom.  i.  16. 


38  [LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  III. 

prove  others  to  be  in  the  wrong,  sometimes  entirely  loses  recol- 
lection of  that  charity  which  is  the  bond  of  peace,  and  of  all 
virtues.  Another  is  seen  insisting,  with  equal  asperity,  upon 
the  correctness  of  the  scheme  of  Arminius  ;  and  cannot  be 
content  without  levelling,  whenever  he  ascends  the  pulpit, 
some  shaft  of  invective  against  his  opposers.  And  this  same 
contentious  and  selfish  disposition  may  be  seen  displaying 
itself,  here  and  there,  through  all  the  various  churches  of 
Christendom  :  manifested,  in  one  place,  by  a  bigoted  zeal  for 
some  favorite  doctrine  ;  in  another,  by  angry  defence  of  a  par- 
ticular ecclesiastical  constitution  ;  in  a  third,  by  disputatious 
eagerness  in  support  of  some  little  point  of  discipline.  Now, 
my  brethren,  provided  that  these  heralds  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
in  the  midst  of  all  their  hostility  and  warmth  of  feeling,  still 
continue  to  exhibit  Christ  to  their  hearers,  as  the  only  refuge 
of  lost  sinners,  what  is  the  result  of  their  efforts  ?  Is  there  not 
a  concomitant  blessing  ?  Are  not  the  careless  arrested,  the 
profane  convinced  of  their  danger,  and  new  subjects  gained 
to  that  kingdom  of  God,  which  is  "  righteousness,  and  peace, 
and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost?"*  Herein,  then,  discern  the 
brightest  of  testimonies  to  the  power  of  that  gospel,  which,  not- 
withstanding all  the  sin,  and  all  the  corrupt  admixtures  of 
men,  is  thus  signally  distinguished  and  glorified.  Let  us  see 
in  the  circumstance  an  incontestible  evidence  of  its  divinity  ; 
and  admire  with  adoration  and  rapture,  that  doctrine  of 
Christ  Crucified,  which  "  is  quick,  and  powerful,  and  sharper 
than  any  two-edged  sword,  piercing  even  to  the  dividing 
asunder  of  soul  and  spirit,  and  of  the  joints  and  marrow,  and 
is  a  discerner  of  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the  heart."t 

*  Rom.  XIV.  17.  t  Heb.  iv.  12. 


CHAP.  1.  12-18]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  39 

But  in  the  concluding  verse  of  the  present  portion,  we  have 
the  warrant  of  the  Apostle,  not  only  for  acknowledging,  in  the 
success  of  the  gospel  by  whomsoever  preached,  a  testimony  to 
its  hving  efficacy,  but  for  delighting  in  this  glorious  result. 
Listen  to  his  exclamation.      "  What  then  ?  notwithstanding, 
every  way,  whether  in  pretence  or  in  truth,  Christ  is  preached; 
and  I  therein  do  rejoice,  yea,  and  will  rejoice ;"  that  is  :  What 
is  the  difference  in  the  result  ?     God  can  overrule  the  infirmi- 
ties, and  even  the  foulest  hypocrisy  of  his  ministers,  to  the  con- 
version of  sinful  men  ;  and  in  the  knowledge  of  this  consola- 
tory truth,  I  can  overlook  the  imperfections  of  the  instrument, 
and  thrill  with  transport  at  the  victories  which   he  obtains. 
— Permit  me,  therefore,  in  drawing  the  present  Lecture  to  a 
close,  to  deduce,  from  these  last  words  of  St.  Paul,  two  charac- 
teristic qualities  of  the  real  believer.     See,  on  the  one  hand, 
the  pleasure  with  which  he  witnesses  the  triumphs  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  the  extension  of  the  benign  and  holy  kingdom  of  the 
Prince  of  peace.     The  Apostle  exults  simply  in  this,  that  the 
knowledge  of  Christ  was  becoming  daily  more  diffused,  among 
the  regions  of  spiritual  wickedness  ;  and  it  is  this  subject,  that 
fills  the  breasts  of  all  the  servants  of  God  with  their  highest 
and  purest  joy.     "Thy  kingdom  come!"  is  the  Christian's 
supplication  ;   and,  when  he  sees  the  petition  answered,  and 
souls  converted,  and  saints  advancing  in  holiness,  he  is  en- 
kindled into  a  feeling  similar  to  that  to  which  angels  in  glory 
are  awakened,  at  the  spectacle  of  "one  sinner  that  repenteth.'^ 
But  further  ;   the  language  of  the  Apostle  before  us  displays 
the  manner  in  which  the  believer,  truly  such,  sacrifices  to  this 
anxiety  for  the  salvation  of  men,  all  private  feelings  and  con- 
siderations.    Who  were  they,  by  whom  the  reUgion  of  Jesus 


40  LECTURES  ON  THE 

was  thus  widely  promoted  in  the  Roman  capital  ?  They 
were  the  determined  and  personal  enemies  of  this  imprisoned 
servant  of  Christ ;  and  yet,  under  the  very  stings  of  their 
obloquy,  and  with  the  full  conviction  of  their  insincerity  of 
soul,  he  is  gladdened  at  the  fruits  of  their  labors.  Adopt 
this  spirit,  my  brethren,  in  reference  to  those  who,  in  our  day, 
preach  to  a  ruined  world  the  glad  tidings  of  peace.  Among 
the  heralds  of  mercy,  there  may  perchance  be  some,  whose 
manner,  whose  style,  whose  attainments,  are  not  precisely 
after  the  standard  of  excellence  which  you  have  adopted. 
Yet  what  of  this  ?  The  only  inquiry  is,  Does  God  honor  and 
bless  their  ministrations?  Are  they  made  instruments  of 
good  ?  Through  them,  is  the  reign  of  the  Lord  Jesus  pro- 
moted in  our  world  ?  If  so,  away  with  prejudices,  and  with 
criticism,  and  with  all  earthly  views ;  and  with  the  heavenly- 
minded  Apostle  exclaim,  "  Every  way,  Christ  is  preached ; 
and  I  therein  do  rejoice,  yea,  and  will  rejoice." 


4 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHlUPi-lAiNS  41 


LECTURE    IV 


CHAPTER  I.  19—24. 

For  I  know  that  this  shall  turn  to  my  salvation  through  your 
prayer,  and  the  supply  of  the  Spirit  of  Jesus  Christ.  Accord- 
ing- to  my  earnest  expectation  and  my  hope,  that  in  nothing  I 
shall  be  ashamed,  but  that  with  all  boldness,  as  always,  so  now 
also,  Christ  shall  he  magnified  in  my  body,  whether  it  be  by  life, 
or  by  death.  For  to  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain. 
But  if  I  live  in  the  flssh,  this  is  the  fruit  of  my  labor :  yet 
what  I  shall  choose  I  wot  not.  For  I  am  in  a  strait  betwixt 
two,  having  a  desire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Christ :  which  is 
far  better :  Nevertheless,  to  abide  in  the  fl^sh  is  more  need- 
ful for  you. 

The  Apostle  is  here  found  proceeding  in  that  same  enviable 
spirit,  in  which  we  left  him  at  the  conclusion  of  the  last  Lec- 
ture :  that  of  converting  the  very  afflictions  of  hfe  into  themes 
of  gratitude ;  and,  instead  of  repining  at  these  visitations  of 
Providence,  endeavoring  rather  to  dwell  upon  the  manner  in 
which  he  renders  them  all  subservient  to  his  purposes  of  grace 
and  mercy.  We  have  seen  him  filled  with  gladness  at  the 
dissemination  of  the  gospel,  even  through  the  instrumentality 
of  those,  who,  while  they  preached  Christ,  were  persecuting 


42  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  IV. 

the  Apostle  with  slanderous  insinuations  ;  and  in  like  manner, 
on  the  present  occasion,  he  continues  to  look  at  the  bright  side 
of  that  allotment  of  heaven,  by  which  he  was  called  to  suffer 
reproaches,  intriguing  combinations,  and  opposition  of  the  most 
malignant  character,  from  professed  heralds  of  God's  message 
unto  men.  In  what  way  he  thus  draws  still  farther  consola- 
tion from  his  trials,  let  us  now  proceed  to  examine. 

The  inspired  writer  begins  with  expressing  his  firm  conviction, 
that  the  malice  of  his  opposers,  so  far  from  being  injurious  to 
him,  would,  through  divine  grace,  lead  to  his  increased  faith- 
fulness and  courage  in  the  service  of  his  adorable  Master,  and 
to  an  everlasting  recompense  in  the  world  to  come.  This  de- 
claration is  contained  in  the  nineteenth  and  twentieth  verses, 
which  are  very  closely  connected  with  each  other.  "  For  I 
knoWj"  says  he,  "  that  this,"  that  is,  the  animosity  and  conten- 
tious spirit  of  those  leaders  of  a  faction,  of  whom  he  had  been 
speaking,  "  shall  turn  to  my  salvation  through  your  prayer,  and 
the  supply  of  the  spirit  of  Jesus  Christ ;"  or,  in  other  words,  I 
feel  a  confident  persuasion,  by  dependence  upon  the  promises 
of  God,  that  the  Holy  Ghost  shall  so  lend  me  his  influences, 
in  answer  to  your  fervent  petitions  on  my  behalf,  as  to  make 
me  unyielding  in  the  maintenance  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus, 
and  thus  conduct  me  to  an  eternal  crown  of  rejoicing.  This 
is  the  general  observation  which  he  makes  ;  and  he  goes  on 
to  express  it  more  fully  in  another  form.  "  According  to  my 
earnest  expectation  and  my  hope,  that  in  nothing,"  or,  in  no 
respect,  "  I  shall  be  ashamed,  but  that  with  all  boldness,"  that 
is,  unshrinking  freedom  of  speech,  "as  always,  so  now  also, 
Christ  shall  be  magnified  in  my  body,"  or,  in  my  person, 
"whether  it  be  by  life,  or  by  deatli."     The  term  rendered 


CHAP.  r.  19-24.1  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  43 

If'  "earnest  expectation,"  occurs  twice  only  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment ;  and  signifies  properl}'^  the  intense  eagerness  of  a  per- 
l.  son,  who  bends  forward  liis  head  to  look  for  some  approaching 
object.  Thus,  in  his  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  St.  Paul  declares, 
that  "  the  earnest  expectation  of  the  creature  waiteth  for  the 
manifestation  of  the  sons  of  God."*  According  to  this  mean- 
ing of  the  word,  the  whole  declaration  comprised  within  the 
two  verses  before  us,  may  be  thus  stated : — that  the  malicious 
invectives  of  his  adversaries  gave  him  no  uneasiness  nor  pain : 
I  for  that,  on  the  assurance  that  there  was  a  Hearer  of  prayer, 
he  rested  satisfied,  that  he  should  be  the  gainer  rather  than  the 
loser ;  that,  in  conformity  with  his  own  longing  desires,  he 
should  be  enabled,  in  answer  to  the  petitions  of  his  Christian 
brethren,  to  adhere  firmly  to  the  profession  which  he  had  be- 
gun ;  and,  whether  it  should  please  divine  Providence  to  pro- 
long his  days,  or  to  consign  him  to  a  speedy  martyrdom, 
should  open  his  mouth,  with  his  accustomed  boldness,  in  de- 
fence of  the  glorious  cause  to  which  his  life  was  consecrated. 

Having  thus  exhibited  the  general  scope  of  the  inspired 
writer,  in  the  passage  under  review,  I  may  profitably  call  your 
attention  to  one  or  two  important  truths  which  it  contains. 

You  are  here  pointed,  on  the  one  hand,  to  a  most  efiicient 
means  established  by  Providence,  for  the  preservation  of 
Christians  in  a  faithful  and  resolute  career ;  the  supplications 
I  of  their  brethren  in  the  Lord.  The  Apostle,  as  you  per- 
"  ceive,  describes  the  succors  of  the  Redeemer's  grace  as  being 
vouchsafed  in  return  for  the  entreaties  of  the  Phihppians  ;  and 
it  is  in  the  same  way,  that,  in  other  parts  of  his  writings,  he 
sets  forth  the  petitions  of  believers  as  one  of  the  appointed 

*  Rom.  viii.  19. 


44  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  IV. 

channels,  through  which  heavenly  gifts  descend  to  the  com- 
panions of  their  pilgrimage.  In  his  Second  Epistle  to  the 
;  Corinthians,  lie  thus  addresses  them ;  "  Ye  also  helping 
*  together  by  prayer  for  us  :"*  and  he,  in  like  manner,  coun- 
sels the  Ephesians ;  "  Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and 
supplication  in  the  Spirit ;  and  for  me,  that  utterance  may  be 
given  unto  me,  that  I  may  open  my  mouth  boldly,  to  make 
known  the  mystery  of  tlie  gospel."t  In  the  statement,  there- 
fore, here  made,  discern,  my  Christian  hearers,  the  obligation 
that  rests  upon  all  the  servants  of  God,  to  lift  up  their  voices 
in  behalf  of  those  who  are  members  of  the  same  body,  and 
heirs  of  the  same  precious  promises.  Remember  them  in  the 
exercises  of  the  closet,  and  in  the  offerings  of  your  family  de- 
votion ;  ask  that  the  feeble  may  be  strengtliened,  the  waver- 
ing supported,  the  partially  enlightened  led  on  to  clearer  ap- 
prehensions of  truth  ;  and,  in  this  way,  fulfil  your  part  in  that 
spiritual  commonwealth,  in  reference  to  which  the  affectionate 
Apostle  exclaims,  "  Who  is  weak,  and  I  am  not  weak  ?  who 
''\  is  offended,  and  I  burn  not  ?"+ 

But  while  the  language  before  us  thus  exhibits  the  prayers 
of  disciples  as  one  of  the  sources,  from  which  grace  and  holi- 
ness are  derived  to  their  fellow-travellers  to  eternity,  it  also, 
on  the  other  hand,  delineates  the  confidence  of  every  real 
Christian^  in  regard  to  the  success  of  these  fervent  suppli- 
cations for  his  perseverance  in  the  faith.  Observe  the  situ- 
ation of  the  imprisoned  Apostle.  He  is  traduced  by  adversa- 
ries :  his  life  is  brought  into  peril  from  their  machinations  : 
but,  on  the  strength  of  those  repeated  declarations  of  the  word 
of  hfe,  that  they  who  approach  the  mercy-seat  in  sincerity  and 

*  11.  Cor.  I.  11.  r  Epli.  vi,  18.  19.  t  II.  Cor.  xi.  29. 


CHAP.  I   19— 24.)  EPISTI.KTOTUR  IMlll.lPl'IANS.  ^5 

in  truth  shall  not  go  unrewarded  away,  he  hfts  up  his  liead  wich 
joy  ;  and  feels  inly  persuaded,  that,  from  the  united  requests 
of  these  grateful  Philippians,  he  shall  obtain  all  the  courage 
faith,  and  devotedness,  which  are  necessary  to  h'l^  everlasting 
safety  in  the  end.  My  brethren,  the  confidence  of  this  primi- 
tive servant  of  Christ  in  the  promises  of  his  Liord,  is  the  spirit 
of  every  renewed  and  sanctified  heart;  and,  accordingly,  while 
the  degrees  of  your  persuasion  as  to  the  fact,  that  God  answers 
the  petitions  of  Christians  for  each  other,  may  occasionally  vary, 
yet  the  principle,  if  you  are  a  spiritual  disciple,  will  ever  reign 
within  your  heart,  and  animate  you  on  the  journey  of  life. 
The  believer,  trembling  under  the  power  of  temptation,  prays 
for  himself:  but  he  also  remembers,  that  others  are  engaged 
in  the  same  earnest  work  of  supplication  in  his  behalf;  and, 
on  the  strength  of  the  Almighty's  own  declaration,  he  rejoices 
to  know,  that  "  the  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man 
availeth  much."* 

/^  After  having  thus  expressed  his  persuasion,  that  all  the  dis- 
pensations of  Providence  would  result  in  his  eternal  safety, 
St.  Paul,  in  the  next  verse,  repeats,  in  another  and  exceed- 
ingly impressive  form,  the  same  strong  conviction  of  his  mind. 
"For  to  me  to  live,"  he  exclaims,  "is  Christ;"  that  is,  the 
whole  object  and  end  which  I  propose  to  myself,  during  my 
course  below,  is  to  serve  and  glorify  the  Lord  Jesus  :  "  and  to 
die  is  gain  ;"  or,  in  other  words,  death  will,  as  I  humbly  trust, 
carry  me  to  a  state  of  happiness  and  rest,  far  better  than  all 
that  the  present  existence  can  possibly  afford.  He  intends, 
therefore,  in  these  words,  to  convey  the  idea,  that  he  rejoiced 
in  the  well-grounded  assurance,  that  all  with  him  was  safe  ; 

♦  James,  V.  16. 


■f 


45  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  IV. 

that,  ill  examining  his  heart,  and  disposition,  he  found  the 
honoi-  of  his  divine  Master  to  be  the  single  mark  before  his  eye  ; 
and  that,  by  necessary  consequence,  should  he  be  called  to  de- 
part from  this  scene  of  conflict,  and  to  enter  into  the  unseen 
world,  it  would  only  be  to  receive  a  crown  of  life  from  the 
hands  of  the  great  Captain  of  his  salvation. — And  now,  my 
beloved  brethren,  behold  in  this  short  sentence  of  the  Apostle 
of  the  Gentiles,  the  character,  experience,  and  true  blessedness, 
of  all  the  real  children  of  God.  There  is  a  sublimity  in  the 
words  before  us,  which  turns  into  contempt  the  aims,  the  hopes, 
and  the  pretended  happiness,  of  the  followers  of  this  vain 
world  ;  and  it  may,  perhaps  lead  some  unawakened  heart  with- 
in the  present  assembly  to  solemn  reflection,  to  hold  up  the 
declaration  of  St.  Paul,  in  contrast  with  the  course  and  feel- 
ings of  those  who  are  afar  from  God.  The  Christian  redeemed 
by  the  cross  of  his  Lord  and  Master  from  death  and  hell, 
feels  himself  under  a  binding  obligation  to  love  and  glorify 
that  Saviour,  in  the  body  and  soul  which  he  has  ransomed  : 
he  passes  his  days  in  a  continual  frame  of  gratitude :  and  by 
his  exclusive  affection,  his  renunication  of  the  world,  and  his 
endeavors  to  advance,  according  to  his  ability,  the  cause  and 
kingdom  of  the  Redeemer,  exemplifies  precisely  that  noble 
and  heavenly  mind,  which  is  determined  to  know  nothing 
among  men,  "  save  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified."*  Turn 
from  this  man  to  the  worldling.  He  comes  into  life:  he 
grows  up  to  years  of  observation  :  he  sees  the  Son  of  God,  for 
the  everlasting  salvation  of  ruined  man,  taking  upon  him  hu- 
man   infirmities,   becoming  acquainted    with   griefs,  and,  at 

*  I.  Cor.  ii.  2. 


CHAP.  I.  19— 24.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  47 

length,  bowing  his  anointed  head  beneath  a  death  of  agony 
and  shame :  and,  after  beholding  the  spectacle,  goes  onward 
through  Ufe  without  remembrance  of  that  tender  sacrifice — 
given  up  to  self  as  the  grand  object  of  devotion — absorbed  in 
tiie  gains,  striving  after  the  aggrandizement,  or  occupied  with 
the  petty  pleasures  of  a  state,  to  which  he  has  consecrated 
\{    every  faculty  of  his  being.     Survey  these  two  characters  :  and 
then  say  which  of  them  has  most  of  loveliness  and  of  gran- 
deur.    But  if  the  Christian  rises  thus  superior  in  the  objects 
of  his  pursuit,  compare  him  with  tlie  man  of  this  life  in  that 
other  point  of  view,  in  which  he  is  presented  in  the  language 
of  the  Apostle.     The  believer,  in  this  humble  and  consistent 
path  of  obedience,  faith,  and  love,  knows  that  he  is  the  subject 
of  Christ's  gracious  promises :   in  this  persuasion,  therefore, 
he  can  look  forward  to  dissolution  as  the  commencement  of  a 
higher  felicity  :  and  can  feel  that,  whensoever  it  may  come, 
it  will  only  be  to  him  the  gate  of  heaven,  and  an  entrance 
into  the  eternal  joy  of  his    Lord.     How  is  it,  in  this  respect 
with  the  unchanged  and  earthly  minds  of  the  great  mass  of 
men  ?     As  infinite  as  is  the  advantage  to  which  the  Christian 
believer  looks  forward  with  joy,  is  the  loss  which  thet/  con- 
template, in  the  arrival  of  this  concluding  period.    Death  is  to 
tliem  only  the  messenger  of  condemnation,  and  terminated 
delights,  and  black  despair ;   it  is  a  separation  from  all  the 
sources  of  their  rejoicing;  and  it  is,  accordingly,  a  prospect  which 
they  suffer,  as  seldom  as  possible,  to  disturb  with  its  clouds 
and  shadows  their  dream  of  vanity  and  sin.     The  Apostle, 
therefore,  in  this  brief  declaration,  sets  forth  the  grand  and  sig- 
nal distinction  between  the  friends  of  God  and  of  the  world  : 


48  LEcruitiirsuN  Tin:  (Mcj. iv 

and  if  such  be.  in  all  cases,  the  (Jhrisliau's  character  and 
views,  may  not  the  Diod^l  he  presetitcd  with  propriety  (o  those 
before  nie,  who  are  the  professed  servants  of  the  Lord? 
Bring'  your  own  individual  persons  to  this  standard  of  conduct 
and  of  experience.  Are  you,  my  brethren,  making  the  love 
of  Christ  the  ruling  principle  of  your  lives?  Do  you  feel 
yourselves  thus  supremely  attached  to  the  Master,  who  bore 
your  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree  ?  Can  you  take  the 
Apostle's  language  upon  your  lips,  and  with  humble  con- 
fidence say,  that,  in  scorn  of  the  follies  and  temptations  of  a 
present  world,  you  are  making  the  service  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
the  ever- foremost  object  of  your  heart's  desires?  Are  you  able 
at  this  very  moment  humbly  to  declare,  that  to  depart  out  of 
life  would  be  an  exchange  of  partial,  for  perfect  and  unchange- 
able blessedness ;  and,  in  the  prospect  even  of  a  speedy  remo- 
val, to  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable,  and  full  of  glory  ?  Now 
it  is  very  possible,  that  with  these  views  in  regard  to  life  and 
death,  some  of  you  feel  no  sympathy.  If  so,  then,  you  have 
cause  for  reflection  and  for  alarm ;  and  may  properly  offer  up 
the  imploring  petition,  "  Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my 
heart :  try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts  !"* 

From  this  calm  and  complacent  prospect  of  death,  St.  Paul 
passes,  in  the  three  succeeding  verses,  to  a  description  of  the 
various  and  conflicting  desires  by  which  he  was  agitated,  as  be 
contemplated  the  happiness  of  heaven  on  the  one  hand,  and 
the  field  of  usefulness  opened  to  him  in  this  world,  on  the 
other.  The  manner  in  which  the  holy  Apostle  has  expressed 
these  contending  inclinations  of  his  heart,  is  singularly  beauti- 
ful and  affecting.     He  first  of  all  turns  his  thoughts  to  the 

♦  Ps.  cxxxix.  23. 


CHAP.  I.  19-24.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  49 

privilege  of  continuing  longer  on  earth,  if  the  conversion  of 
souls,   and  the  glory  of   God;  might  thereby  be  effectually 
promoted.     "  But  if  I  live  in  the  flesh,  this  is  the  fruit  of  my 
labor ;"  or,  in  other  words,  to  extend  the  kingdom  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  is  a  recompense  that  more  than  counterbalances 
all  the   trials   of  my   warfare ;    and   sweetens   the   bitterest 
cup  of  sorrow  which  the  perverseness,  the  impenitence,  or  the 
malignity  of  men,  can  give  the  minister  of  salvation  to  drink* 
But  here  again,  the  world  of  glory  rises  to  his  vision  ;  and,  as 
he  thinks  of  its  immovable  peace  and  rest,  he  wavers  in  his 
determinations.     "  Yet  what  I  shall  choose  I  wot  not ;"  that 
is,  I  cannot  positively  decide  either  for  this  present  state,  or  for 
a  speedy  departure  out  of  the  body.     "  For  I  am  in  a  strait," 
he  declares,   "  betwixt  two,"  or,  in  other  words,  I  am  con- 
stantly distracted  by  two  equally  engaging  objects ;  "  having 
a  desire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Christ,  which  is  far  better." 
The  expression  "  to  depart,"  is,  in  the  original,  peculiarly  ex- 
pressive and  touching.    It  refers  properly  to  that  act  by  which 
a  vessel  is  unloosed  from  her  moorings,  and  sails  for  some  dis- 
tant clime  ;  and  thus  represents  most  aptly  that  separation 
from  the  body,  by  which  the  Christian's  spirit  becomes  at  once 
disentangled  from  the  burden  of  the  flesh,  and  takes  her  im- 
mediate flight  to  the  shores  of  a  better  country.     The  enjoy- 
ment procured  by  such  a  change,  he  declares  to  consist  in 
"  being  with  Christy"  by  which  he  understands  that  species 
of  enjoyment  of  the  Lord's  presence,  which  is  granted  to  se- 
parate spirits  ;  and  the  expressions  here  used  are  similar  to 
that  declaration  in  the  Second  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  that 
he  is  "  willing  rather  to  be  absent  from  the  body,  and  to  be 


50  LECTUEES  ON  THE  [LECT.  IV. 

present  with  the  Lord."*     This  translation  to  the  happiness 
of  God's  redeemed  peoj?le,  St.  Paul  states  to  be  "  far  better" 

, ,1 II,,  II  ■III i-  '       -i-f---.    -i  ^^^^ 

than  any  thing  here.    These  words  but  inadequately  convey 
the  force  of  his  language.     Literally  rendered  it  would  be, 
"  far  more  better ;"  and  the  sacred  penman  hereby  declares 
his  inability  to  find  terms  sufficiently  glowing,  for  the  purpose 
of  expressing  the  unmeasured  felicity  of  that  world  of  light. 
It  is  thus  that,  at  the  view  of  what  God  has  prej^jred  foi^hose 
who  love  him,  the  holy  Apostle  longs  to  be  released:  but 
I  again,  turning  his  eyes  to  the  pressing  exigencies  of  the 
\  church  of  Christ,  and  filled  with  desires  to  promote  his  Mas- 
jter's  glory  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  he  leans  to  the  oppo- 
site side  of  this  perplexing  question,  and  excljiims,  "  Neverthe- 
less, to  abide  in  the  flesh  is  more  needful  for  you." — Having 
thus  illustrated  the  phraseology  of  the  sacred  writer,  let  me 
invite  your  attention  to  a  brief  statement  of   three  truths 
which  his  words  unfold,  deserving  of  careful  recollection. 

And  1.  The  example  of  St.  Paul,  as  here  exhibited,  sets 
forth  the  'prominent  reason,  for  which  a  longer  continuance 
hi  the  jjreseiit  life  ajypears  desirable  to  the  Christian.  Turn 
once  more  to  the  words  before  us.  "  If  I  live  in  the  flesh, 
this  is  the  fruit  of  my  labor  :"  "  to  abide  in  the  flesh  is  more 
needful  for  you."  You  perceive,  then,  my  brethren,  that  the 
single  consideration  which,  weighed  in  the  mind  of  the  Apos- 
tle, as  making  this  existence  worthy  of  a  wish,  was  the  ser- 
vice and  glory  of  his  divine  Master.  And  such,  to  a  certain 
extent,  is  the  experience  of  all  the  spiritual  servants  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  It  is,  indeed,  undeniable,  that  there  are 
some  inducements  of  an  earthly  kind  which  have  their  share 

*  II.  Cor.  V.  8. 


CHAP.  I.  19—24.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPUNS.  51 

of  influence  upon  the  believer ;  and  which,  when  subordinate, 
are  not  contrary  to  the  will  of  his  heavenly  Father.  Life  is 
pleasant  to  the  man  of  affection :  when  he  looks  round  upon 
the  family,  the  connexions,  the  friends,  in  whose  lovely  and 
cheering  circle  he  is  passing  his  days.  This  world  is  desira- 
ble to  the  scholar ;  when  he  casts  an  eye  upon  the  fields  of 
useful  knowledge  yet  unexplored,  and  upon  pleasures  of  in- 
vestigation that  are  to  come :  for  even  the  great  and  holy 
Baxter,  whose  aspirations  after  the  more  immediate  presence 
of  God  have  never  been  exceeded  by  any  uninspired  mortal, 
speaks  with  an  expression  of  sadness  at  the  thought  of  parting 
from  his  "pleasant  studies,"  when  the  summons  of  death 
should  arrive.*  And  further,  this  life  is  desirable  to  the  man, 
to  whom  Providence  has  committed  those  who  are  dependent 
upon  his  care ;  and  for  whom  he  wishes,  before  he  goes  hence 
forever,  to  procure  the  means  of  temporal  comfort. — 
Still,  however,  the  paramount  consideration  with  the  dis- 
ciple of  Christ,  in  wishing  to  be  spared  in  these  regions  below, 
is  one  immeasurably  higher  than  all  that  have  been  men- 
tioned. It  is  his  meat  and  his  drink  to  do  the  will  of  his  heavenly 
Father :  he  regards  this  object  as  the  grand  privilege  of  his 
being :  and  if,  by  being  allowed  some  farther  periods,  he  can 
serve  his  Master  more  exclusively,  shew  forth  the  power  of  his 
grace,  and  be  made  an  instrument  of  the  least  good  to  men, 
for  this,  especially,  he  longs  to  stay;  and,  with  the  readiness  of 
the  Apostle,  cries,  "  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ?"t 

2.  The  words  of  the  Apostle  exhibit  the  truth,  that  the  be- 
liever Tiiay  very  jtroperly,  in  obedience  to  the  divine  will, 
desire  to  depart  from  titese  scenes  of  labor  to  his  eternal 

*  See  his  Dying-  Thoughts,  +  Acts,  ix.  6. 


52  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.IV. 

rest. — There  is,  indeed,  a  species  of  anxiety  to  quit  a  world 
in  which  Providence  has  placed  us,  which  is  not  that  of  the 
purified  and  heavenly  mind,  but  of  a  spirit  in  rebellion  against 
the  appointments  of  God.  The  Christian  is  perhaps  weary 
with  the  temptations  and  difficulties  of  his  cai-eer ;  or  sickened, 
by  a  long  course  of  afflictive  dispensations,  with  every  thing 
in  hfe ;  or  burdened  with  age  and  infirmities ;  and  for  this 
reason,  though  God  may  require  his  longer  residence  here,  is 
agitated  with  a  restless  and  feverish  solicitude  to  finish  his 
journey.  Such,  however,  is  not  the  spirit,  disclosed  in  the 
beautiful  language  of  the  Apostle.  He  turns  his  vision  to 
that  blessed  residence  of  the  Redeemer's  people  ;  and,  if  so  be 
that  the  service  of  Christ's  church,  and  a  longer  course  of  ac- 
tive exertion,  be  not  the  will  of  the  Lord  Jesus  concerning 
him,  he  aspires  with  devout  and  holy  earnestness  after  the 
eternal  fruition  of  the  world  of  glory.  And  this  wish,  it  is 
permitted,  in  like  manner,  to  us  to  feel.  A  desire,  thus~chas- 
tened  and  submissive,  to  be  called  to  the  rest  of  heaven, 
has  distinguished  some  of  the  most  eminent  of  the  servants  of 
God,  in  all  ages  of  his  church.  It  was  the  spirit  of  Abra- 
ham, when,  fs-om  a  land  of  strangers,  "  he  looked  for  a  city 
which  hath  foundations,  whose  builder  and  maker  is  God."* 
It  was  the  wish  of  the  Psalmist,  when,  struggling  amidst  sins, 
and  conflicting  with  spiritual  wickedness,  he  cried  with  the 
rapture  of  joyful  anticipation,  "  As  for  ms,  I  will  behold  thy 
face  in  righteousness :  I  shall  be  satisfied,  when  I  awake,  with 
thy  likeness."t 

Finally ;  Is  it  not  in  terms  most  tender  and  inviting,  that 
the  Apostle  here  delineates  the  siirjiassing  blessedness  of 

*  Heb.  xi.  10.  +  Ps.  xvii.  15. 


CHAP.  I.  19-24.]  EPISTLli  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  53 

that  iDorldofjoyl  Reciu,  my  brethren,  to  his  language. 
"  Having  a  desire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Christ ;  which  is 
far  better."  Yes  ;  it  is  "  better"  to  leave  this  region  where 
God  has  placed  us  for  a  season,  for  that  invisible  land  which 
is  in  reveision.  It  is  better,  because  there  the  Christian  will 
have  finished  his  conflict  with  sin  ;  and,  laying  down  the 
weapons  of  warfare,  shall  enter  into  eternal  tranquillity.  It 
is  better,  because  there  the  mysteries  of  God's  providence  will 
be  unravelled  ;  and  all  the  dealings  of  his  hand,  during  this 
brief  journey  of  life,  will  appear  in  the  light  of  infinite  justice, 
and  infinite  love.  It  is  better,  because  the  believer  will  then 
enter  into  a  congenial  society,  without  any  mixture  of  those 
evil  ones  who  here  harass  his  progress  ;  and  in  respect  to 
whom  David  so  feelingly  exclaimed,  "  Woe  is  me,  that  I  so- 
journ in  Mesech,  that  I  dwell  in  the  tents  of  Kedar  !"*  It  is 
better,  because  there  Christ  himself  sits,  as  the  immediate  joy 
of  his  people ;  and  they  can  taste,  without  any  diminution 
or  hindrance,  and  through  eternal  years,  the  sweetness  of  his 
beatific  presence. — My  dear  hearers,  such  was  the  view  taken 
by  St.  Paul,  of  that  place  prepared  for  those  who  die  in  the 
Lord.  Are  these  your  feelings  ?  Is  it  in  such  a  light,  that 
the  world  of  spirits  appears  to  your  contemplations  ?  Or,  amidst 
the  frivolities,  the  cares,  the  diversified  objects  of  a  present 
state,  are  the  glories  of  that  which  is  to  come  hidden  from 
your  vision  ?  If  so,  however,  you  are  destitute  of  the  views 
and  privileges  of  the  believer.  You  must,  through  divine 
grace,  become  moulded  into  the  frame  of  the  Apostle  :  heaven 
must  appear  infinitely  desirable  above  the  insignificance  and 

*  Ps.  cxx.  5. 


54  LECTURES  ON  THE 

unsatisfactoriness  of  eaith  :  you  must  sympathize  with  Da- 
vid's feelings,  "  My  soul  thiisteth  for  God,  for  the  living  God  : 
when  shall  I  come  and  appear  before  God  ?"* 

*  Ps.  xlii  2. 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIliLlPPlANS.  55 


LECTURE    V. 


CHAPTER  I.  25—30. 

And  having'  this  confidence,  I  know  that  I  shall  abide  and  conti- 
nue with  you  all  for  your  furtherance  and  joy  of  faith;  That 
your  rejoicing  may  be  more  abundant  in  Jesus  Christ  for  me 
by  my  coming  to  you  again.  Only  let  your  conversation  be 
as  it  becometh  the  gospel  of  Christ :  that  whether  I  come  and 
see  you,  or  else  be  absent,  I  may  hear  of  your  affairs,  that  ye 
standfast  in  one  spirit,  with  one  mind  striving  together  for 
the  faith  of  the  gospel ;  And  in  nothing  terrified  by  your  ad- 
versaries :  which  is  to  them  an  evident  token  of  perdition,  but 
to  you  of  salvation,  and  that  of  God.  For  unto  you  it  is  given 
in  the  behalf  of  Christ,  not  only  to  believe  on  him,  but  also  to 
suffer  for  his  sake ;  Having  the  same  conflict  which  ye  saw  in 
me,  and  now  hear  to  be  in  me. 

The  words  now  read  stand  in  close  connexion  with  those  by 
which  they  are  preceded.  We  left  the  Apostle,  at  the  close  of 
the  former  Lecture,  in  uncertainty  which  of  two  blessings  to 
prefer,  should  divine  Providence  give  him  the  liberty  of 
choice  ;  to  depart  immediately  out  of  this  world  to  "  a  better 
country,"  or  to  remain  in  the  active  service  of  the  church  on 
earth.  In  considering,  however,  the  destitution  under  which 
Christians  were  then  laboring,  of  devoted  and  affectionate  mi- 


^ 


A 


55  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  V. 

nisteis,  he  thought  he  perceived  an  indication  that  God  in- 
tended to  prolong  his  days :  and  this  idea  he  proceeds,  in  the 
portion  now  to  occupy  your  meditations,  to  state  to  the  Phihp- 
pians ;  accompanied  by  some  important^dmonitions  in  refer- 
ence to  their  deportment  as  the  servants  of   Christ.     The 
verses  before  us  bring  you  to  the  conclusion  of  the  first  of 
those  four  chapters,  into  which  this  apostolic  letter  has  been 
divided- 
Being  firmly  convinced,  by  observation  of  the  existing  state 
of  things,  that  his  longer  continuance  in  life  would  materially 
subserve  the  Christian  cause  ;  or,  to  use  his  own  words  to  the 
Philippians  in  the  twenty-fourth  verse,  that  "  to  abide  in  the 
flesh  was  more  needful  for  them  ;"  the  Apostle  declares  that  he 
felt  assured,  by  this  circumstance,  of  his  being  destined  to  far- 
ther exertions  in  the  world.     "  And  having  this  confidence," 
that  is,  being  persuaded  that  the  interests  of  the  gospel  would 
be  promoted, by  my  stay  upon  the  earth,  "I  know  that  I  shall 
abide  and  continue  with  you  all  for  your  furtherance  and  joy 
of  faith  ;  that  your  rejoicing  may  be  more  abundant  in  Jesus 
Christ  for  me  by  my  coming  to  you  again."     It  has  been  sup- 
posed, from  the  degree  of  certainty  with  which  he  predicts,  in 
this  place,  his  longer  residence  in  the  world,  that  he  had  re- 
ceived a  direct  revelation  to  that  effect  from  the  Almighty 
himself.     That  such  intimations  of  the  divine  will  were  some- 
times given,  is  proved  by  several  examples.    Thus  it  is  related 
of  St.  Paul,  in  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  that  on  a  certain 
night  "  the  Lord  stood  by  him,  and  said.  Be  of  good  cheer, 
Paul :  for  as  tliou  hast  testified  of  me  in  Jerusalem,  so  must 
thou  bear  witness  also  at  Rome."*     During  the  voyage  to 

*  Acts,  xxiii.  II. 


CHAP.  I.  05—30.1  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILtPPIANS.  517 

Rome,  also,  he  is  said  to  have  encouraged  his  terrified  compa- 
nions by  the  assurance,  "  There  stood  by  me  this  night  the 
1  angel  of  God,  whose  I  am,  and  whom  I  serve,  saying.  Fear 
not,  Paul ;  thou  must  be  brought  before  Caesar  ;  and  lo,  God 
hath  given  thee  all  them  that  sail  with  thee."*  And  St.  Pe- 
ter describes  himself  as  having  received,  from  the  Redeemer 
himself,  an  express  intimation  of  his  speedy  departure : 
"  Knowing,"  says  he,  "  that  shortly  I  must  put  off  this  my  ta-  / 
~l  bernacle,  even  as  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath  showed  me."t  ' 
From  some  previous  expressions,  however,  used  by  the  Apos- 
tle, indicative  of  considerable  doubt  in  regard  to  the  designs  of 
Providence  concerning  him,!  it  seems  hardly  probable  that  a 
revelation,  like  that  of  which  I  have  spoken,  was  vouchsafed 
to  him  on  the  present  occasion.  His  persuasions  as  to  longer 
life  appear  to  have  amounted  to  nothing  more  than  a  reason- 
able expectation,  arising  from  the  plcnteousness  of  the  harvest, 
and  the  scarcity  of  laborers  for  the  field  :  such  a  condition  of 
the  church  seeming  to  him  to  forbid  the  supposition,  that  he 
was  speedily  to  be  removed  from  that  scene  of  usefulness  in 
which  he  had  so  long  been  acting.  Under  the  influence  of 
this  conviction,  he  encourages  his  Philippian  friends  to  hope, 
that  he  shall  be  spared  to  them,  and  to  the  rest  of  the  Chris- 
tian world,  "  for  their  furtherance  and  joy  of  faith."  These 
words  might  otherwise  be  rendered,  "  for  your  advancement 
and  joy  in  the  faith  ;"  and  St.  Paul  means  to  say,  that  the 
continuance  of  his  ministrations  among  them  would  tend  to 
promote  their  growth  in  love  to  Christ,  and  to  produce  an  in- 
crease of  spiritual  comfort.     Another  consequence  resulting 

*  Acts,  xxvii.  23.  24.  t  II.  Pet.  i.  14.  t  See  verse  'JO. 

8 


J 


5g  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  V. 

fiom  his  dcliverancej  and  from  the  temporary  renewal  of  his 
residence  at  Phihppi,  would  be,  as  he  states,  their  "more 
abundant  rejoicing"  on  his  account,  through  the  mercy  of 
"  Jesus  Christ :"  or,  in  other  words,  their  hearts  would  be 
gladdened  by  the  presence  of  him,  who,  under  God,  had  been 
the  means  of  their  conversion  to  the  gospel  of  the  Redeemer, 
and  their  participation  in  its  precious  enjoyments,  and  glorious 
hopes. 

Of  these  two  advantages  ascribed  by  the  Apostle  to  his 
services,  there  is  one,  in  particular,  which  may  with  profit  be 
brought  before  your  view  ;  because  it  belongs  to  the  office  of 
the  ministry  in  all  ages  of  the  world.  He  speaks,  you  per- 
ceive, of  that  itii'provement  and  consolation  which  icould 
Jiow  to  his  Christian  brethren^  from  his  labors  among  them 
as  an  ambassador  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  And  it  is  in 
this  same  light,  my  brethren,  of  an  institution  established  by 
Providence  for  his  spiritual  edification  and  comfort,  that  the 
disciple  of  Christ  should  constantly  regard  the  public  preach- 
ing of  the  word  of  Ufe.  It  is  in  numberless  instances  the 
fact,  that,  among  those  to  whom  the  ministering  servant  of 
God  delivers  his  message,  there  are  some  who,  as  to  intellect- 
ual powers,  variety  and  depth  of  attainments,  or  even  experi- 
mental acquaintance  with  the  inward  life  of  a  believer,  are  far 
superior  to  himself  He  can,  perhaps,  with  all  his  labors, 
bring  out  of  his  treasury  nothing  that  to  them  will  be  new  : 
they  have  previously  travelled  over  the  whole  field  through 
which  he  is  leading  them  ;  and  might  themselves  answer  to 
the  description  given  by  Jesus  Christ,  of  scribes  "  instructed 


CHAP.  I.  25-30.)  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIHLIPPIANS.  59 

unto  the  kingdom  of  heaven."*     And  yet  these  very  persons, 
when  they  call  to  mind  the  origin  of  a  standing  ministry  in 
the  church,  and  the  benefits  consequently  connected  with  it, 
will,  as  Christians,  perceive  that  it  is  an  ordinance,  the  neces- 
sity of  which  no  extent  of  learning  and  of  talent,  and  no  per- 
sonal advances  in  holiness,  can  possibly  supersede.     While 
this  consideration  gives  confidence  to  the  heralds  of  Christ,  in 
proclaiming  their  Master's  gospel  to  all  descriptions  of  men,  it 
must,  when  duly  pondered,  lead  the  most  privileged  of  the 
servants  of  God  to  a  humble  and  teachable  spirit,  while  sit- 
ting under  the  regular  ministrations  of  of  the  sanctuary.     It 
will  make  them  to  feel,  that  there  are  none  among  the  Sa- 
viour's disciples  too  high  to  be  learners  :  it  will  teach  them,  that 
the  Lord  has  affixed  a  blessing  to  the  preacher's  office,  who- 
ever be  the  individual  that  fills  it :  and  will  carry  them  to  the 
house  of  God  with  the  conviction,  that  what  is  there   deli- 
vered has  power,  through  the  grace  which  accompanies  it, 
to  strengthen  the  pilgrim  on  his  journey ;  to  support  him 
amidst  the  temptations  and  the  sorrows  of  life ;  and  to  make  him 
rich  in  the  unspeakable  joys  of  the  children  of  God.     Such 
are  those  views  of  the  ministerial  ofl&ce,  which  St,  Paul  here 
sets  forth  ;  and  his  words  are  in  harmony  with  the  language 
which  he  uses  to  the  Ephesian  believers.     "  He  gave  some, 
apostles ;    and  some,  prophets ;  and  some,  evangelists ;  and 
some,  pastors  and  teachers  ;  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints, 
for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of 
Christ."t 

After  this  expression  of  his  confident  expectations,  that  the 
Lord  designed  to  continue  his  days,  the  Apostle  passes  on  to 

*  Matt.  xiii.  52.  t  Eph.  iv.  11.  12. 


4 


gQ  LECTURES  ON  THE  lIl^CT.v. 

the  delivery  of  some  useful  precepts,  for  tlie  observance  of  his 
Phihppian  friends.  He  commences  with  an  exhortation  of  n 
general  character  :  "  Only  let  your  conversation  be  as  it  be- 
cometh  the  gospel  of  Christ."  The  words,  in  their  proper 
signification,  denote  a  course  of  conduct  answerable  to  the 
dignity  and  privileges  of  a  citizen  ;  and  are,  therefore,  very 
appropriately  addressed  to  those,  who,  through  faith  in  the 
Son  of  God,  have  been  received  as  the  happy  subjects  of  his 
spiritual  kingdom.  To  what  particular  Christian  graces  he 
refers,  when  he  conveys  this  useful  admonition,  he  then  pro- 
ceeds to  inform  us  ;  enumerating  several  distinct  virtues,  and 
urging  them  affectionately  and  earnestly  upon  their  remem- 
brance. 

Thejirst  duty  to  which  he  calls  their  attention,  is  that  of 
Christian  unity  and  agreement  among  themselves. — 
"  That  whether  I  come  and  see  you,"  he  says,  "  or  else  be  ab- 
sent, I  may  hear  of  your  affairs,  that  ye  stand  fast  in  one  spi- 
rit." The  admonition  here  given  is  expressed  with  great 
beauty,  and  with  somewhat  more  fulness,  in  the  First  Epistle 
to  the  Corinthians :  "  Now  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  by  the 
name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  ye  all  speak  the  same 
thing,  and  that  there  be  no  divisions  among  you  ;  but  that  ye 
be  perfectly  joined  together  in  the  same  mind,  and  in  the 
same  judgment."*  The  intention  of  St.  Paul  is  to  enforce 
the  propriety,  and  the  expediency,  of  abstaining  from  con- 
troversy upon  minor  points  of  difference  ;  and  of  endeavoring 
rather,  as  they  were  possessors  of  "  one  I^ord,  one  faith, 
one  baptism,"  to  ''keep  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond 
of  peace."     And   would  to  God,  my  dear  brethren,  that  the 

*  I.  Cor.  i.  10. 


CHAV.  1. 25—30.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  I'TIIMPPIANS.  g  J 

counsel  of  the  Apostle  could  be  engraven  upon  the  hearts  of 
all,  who,  under  the  standard  of  Christ,  profess  to  be  "  fellow- 
citizens  with  the  saints,  and  of  the  household  of  God  !"*  It 
would  be  difficult  to  suggest  a  more  effectual  method  of  lend- 
ing weapons  to  the  adversaries  of  the  gospel,  than  that  spirit 
of  contention  for  lesser  things,  by  which  Christians,  instead 
of  presenting  the  appearance  of  one  unbroken  body,  seem  to 
be  a  "  house  divided  against  itself."  The  argument  of  the 
unbeliever,  and  of  the  workUing,  is — Amidst  such  diversity  of 
opinions,  who  shall  venture  to  decide  ?  Against  this  objection, 
then,  the  precept  of  St.  Paul,  in  the  words  before  us,  furnishes 
believers  with  a  complete  and  triumphant  defence.  Let  those 
who  are  embraced  within  the  pale  of  the  same  communion, 
merge  unimportant  differences  in  one  common  and  absorbing 
attachment  to  the  grand  essentials  of  religion.  Let  those,  who, 
under  varying  names,  and  with  dissimilar  modes  of  discipline 
and  worship,  are  yet  washed  in  the  same  blood,  and  travelling 
to  the  same  heavenly  country,  evince,  by  their  disposition  to 
forget  the  points  on  which  they  differ,  and  to  rejoice  mutually 
in  those  on  which  they  agree,  that  they  are  in  reality  one  fold, 
under  one  Shepherd.  In  proportion  to  the  extent  with  which 
this  holy  unanimity  prevails  among  the  servants  of  God,  will 
the  cavils  of  gainsayers  be  silenced  :  for  though  it  is  not  to  be 
expected,  that,  in  the  present  state  of  things,  all  men  should 
think  alike,  yet  it  is  reasonably  to  be  looked  for,  that,  in  the 
bonds  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  his  disciples  should  be  drawn  togeth- 
er into  one  feeling,  with  respect  to  the  leading  doctrines  of  the 
"  glorious  gospel  of  Christ."t  Inquire  only,  where  the  Re- 
deemer is  acknowledged  as  the  sinner's  Saviour  and  God,  and  / 
*  Eph.  li.  19.  1  II.  Cor.  jv.  4. 


62  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT-  \ 

the  holiness  of  his  requirements  is  maintained.  Thither  let 
your  affections  be  called  forth,  and  there  enjoy  sweet  fellow- 
ship :  and  thus  realize  the  Redeemer's  prayer,  and  the  Psalm- 
ist's expressive  description.  "Behold,  how  good  and  how  / 
pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity  !"*  "  Nei- 1 
ther  pray  I  for  these  alone ;  but  for  them  also  which  shall 
believe  on  me  through  their  word.  That  they  all  may  be 
one  ;  as  thou,  Father,  art  in  me,  and  I  in  thee,  that  they  also 
may  be  one  in  us."t 

The  second  duty  enjoined  by  the  Apostle  upon  these 
Christians  of  Philippi,  is  that  of  being  actively  and  nnitedly 
vigorous  in  defence  of  Chrises  religion^  agaifist  all  the 
attacks  of  its  enemies. — "  With  one  mind,"  says  St.  Paul, 
"  striving  together  for  the  faith  of  the  gospel."  The  word 
^  rendered  "  striving  together,"  refers  to  the  violent  struggles  of 
/  the  wrestler ;  and  the  precept,  taken  in  connexion  with  that 
which  has  just  been  considered,  has  certainly  a  peculiar  force 
and  propriety.  The  Philippians  had  been  cautioned,  imme- 
diately before,  against  dissensions  among  each  other ;  and 
they  are  now  admonished,  that,  if  contention  is  in  any  case  a 
virtue,  it  is  when  the  servants  of  God  are  leagued,  in  heart 
and  hand,  against  the  opposers  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus. 
It  is  in  warfare  with  these,  that  the  activity  of  the  believer 
may  be  best  employed  ;  and  the  advice  of  the  Apostle  is  ad- 
mirably illustrated  by  the  similar  exhortation  of  St.  Jude, 
"  earnestly  to  contend  for  the  faith  which  was  once  delivered 
unto  the  saints."!  These  primitive  converts  to  whom  St.  Paul 
was  writing,  were  surrounded  by  adversaries  mighty  in  num- 
ber, and  incessantly  strenuous  in  their  exertions.     On  the  one 

*  Ps.  cxxxiii.  1.        +  John,  xvii.  20.  21.        t  Jude,  v.  3. 


CHAP.  I.  25—30.1  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS  03 

hand,  were  erroneous  perverters  of  thejiuth  ;  whose  aim  was 
to  revive,  in  the  esteem  of  Christians,  the  abrogated  institu- 
tions of  Moses,  and  to  adulterate  the  simple  doctrine  of  faith. 
On  the  other,  were  the  deriding  philosophers,  and  the  perse- 
cuting officers  of  imperial  Rome  ;  all  assailing,  with  untiring 
pertinacity,  the  foundations  of  the  church  of  Christ.  The 
Apostle  means  to  say,  therefore,  that  it  was  hardly  expedient 
to  be  wasting  their  energies  by  internal  feuds,  while  the  com- 
mon enemy  was  at  the  gates ;  and  he  urges  them  to  direct 
their  collected  strength  against  those,  from  whom  danger  was 
most  to  be  apprehended,  jf  And,  my  brethren,  may  we  not  con- 
sider the  language  before  us  as  being  addressed,  with  equal 
plainness,  to  us  of  the  present  generation  ?  The  situation  of 
Christians  in  the  present  world,  is,  as  it  ever  has  been,  that  of 
a  few  followers  of  a  heavenly  Master,  in  the  midst  of  uncount- 
ed myriads  of  beings  lying  in  the  darkness  of  spiritual  igno- 
rance, and  at  enmity  with  the  Father  of  lights,  and  with  the 
gospel  of  his  adorable  Son.  Now,  of  these  who  are  living  in 
estrangement  from  the  Author  of  their  happiness,  one  very 
considerable  portion  is  engaged  in  malignant  opposition 
against  Christ ;  and  seeking  to  eradicate  from  the  affections 
of  men  that  religion  of  Jesus,  which  is  the  only  source  of  pre- 
sent comfort,  and  of  everlasting  salvation.  What,  then,  in 
such  a  condition  of  things,  is  the  obvious  duty  of  the  servants 
of  God  1  Is  it  to  be  anxious  about  subordinate  distinctions  ? 
Is  it  to  be  vigorous  for  things  merely  external  ?  Or  is  it  not, 
rather,  to  provoke  one  another  to  holy  emulation  in  the  cause 
of  their  crucified  Lord ;  to  labor,  each  according  to  his  abihty, 
in  the  spread  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion,  and  in  the  dis- 
semination of  the  volume  of  life;  and,  by  example,  by  precept, 


64  LECTURES  ON   THE  LLECT.  V. 

by  personal  effort,  to  resist  the  progress  of  spiritual  wickedness, 
and  break  down  the  strong  holds  of  Satan  and  of  sin  ?  Such, 
beyond  a  question,  is  the  obligation  that  rests  upon  the  child- 
ren of  the  Lord  :  and  when,  to  the  hosts  of  infidelity,  are  add- 
ed the  corruptions  of  false  doctrine,  and  the  inconsistent  lives 
of  worldly  and  merely  nominal  Christians,  the  believer  will 
find  that  he  has  sufficient  adversaries  with  whom  to  contend, 
without  occupying  himself  with  minor  disputations.  Let  us 
all  bear  this  truth  in  mind:  and  endeavor,  as  far  as  in  us 
lies,  to  recognise  but  two  grand  classes  of  mankind  ;  the 

FRIENDS,  and  THE  ENEMIES  OF  GOD. 

The  next  admonition  given  by  the  Apostle,  relates  to  the 
conduct  to  be  pursued  under  the  distnaying  assaults  of  per- 
secution.— "  And  in  nothing  terrified  by  your  adversaries :" 
that  is,  maintaining  your  stand  for  Christ,  firmly  and  without 
fear ;  and  this  exhortation  he  proceeds  to  strengthen,  by  one 
consideration  of  a  very  encouraging  character.  "  Which  is  to 
them,"  he  says,  "  an  evident  token  of  perdition,  but  to  you  of 
salvation,  and  that  of  God."  The  meaning  of  these  words  is 
simply  this  ;  that  the  believers  of  Philippi  had  no  occasion  to 
be  in  the  least  daunted,  by  the  menaces  or  the  reproaches  of 
their  enemies  :  for  that  this  opposition,  on  their  part,  to  every 
thing  valuable  in  the  gospel  of  Christ,  was  only  a  proof,  or  in- 
dication, of  that  final  condemnation  which  awaited  them ;  and 
of  the  glorious  recompense  that  should  one  day  be  awarded,  to 
the  faithful  servants  of  Jesus. — Now,  my  brethren,  if  there  be 
any  portions  of  the  word  of  God  which  are  applicable  to 
Christians  in  every  age,  it  is  those  that  relate  to  the  trials 
of  the  servants  of  God  from  the  adversaries  of  the 
cross.     These  ■'  cruel  mockings"  have  been  the  portion  of  the 


A 


CHAP.  1.  25-30]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHIUPPIANS.  g5 

spiiitually-miaded,  ever  since  the  first  establishment  of  the  Re- 
deemer's church ;  and  hence  the  Apostle's  declaration  to  Timo- 
thy, "  Yea,  and  all  that  will  live  godly  in  Christ  Jesus  shall 
suffer  persecution."*     The  mere  outward  profession  of  the  gos- 
pel, combined  with  a  life  of  worldly  conformity,  and  of  tempo- 
rizing concession  to  the  customs  of  the  frivolous  and  the  gay, 
will,  it  is  true,  provoke  Uttle  opposition  or  censure.     But  let  the 
servant  of  God,  confessing  himself  a  ruined  sinner,  and  flying 
to  the  cross  of  Jesus  for  salvation,  give  himself  up,  with  his 
whole  heart  and  life,  to  the  self-denying  service  of  his  Lord  and 
Master,  and  what  is  the  consequence  ?     The  men  of  tlie  pre- 
sent life  look  with  no  friendly  eye,  upon  this  decided  course  of 
action  ;  they  heap  ridicule  and  odium  upon  it ;  and,  by  every 
mode  of  satirical  invective,  seek  to  shake  the  disciple  from  his 
ground.     It  is  by  no  means  improbable  that  there  are  some 
within  the  present  assembly,  who,  having  come  out  unequivo- 
cally and  thoroughly  for  Christ  Jesus,  are  called  to  bear  this 
scourge  of  derision  from  those  among  whom  they  mingle  in 
social  intercourse.     To  such,  then,  let  me  present  the   lan- 
guage of  the  Apostle,  in  all  its  comforting  power.     It  counsels 
you  not  to  be  depressed  in  the  struggle.     It  carries  you  from 
the  present  transitory  scene,  to  the  final  consummation  of  all 
things.     It  bids  you  there  see  the  blackness  and  darkness  that 
shall  end  the  career  of  these  deluded  beings,  and  the  eternal 
felicity  of  those  who  have  confessed  Christ  before  men. — It  is 
this  consideration,  which,  in  the  hour  of  discouragement  and 
of  temptation,  the  servant  of  Jesus  may  well  call  to  his  remem- 
brance :   and  it  is  urged  upon  you  in   another  form   by  the 
great  Captain  of  your  salvation  ;  "  Blessed  are  they  which  are 

♦  II.  Tim.  ill.  12. 
9 


QQ  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  V. 

persecuted  for  righteousness'  sake :  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom 
of  heaven."* 

In  addition,  however,  to  this  argument  to  patience,  derived 
from  the  final  destiny  allotted  respectively  to  Christ's  enemies 
and  to  his  friends,  St.  Paul,  in  the  last  two  verses  of  the  Chap- 
ter, fuinishea  an  encouragement  of  a  still  higher  character.  It 
is  founded  upon  the  consideration,  that  trials  for  the  Lord's 
sake  are  the  privilege  of  his  chosen  servants.  Let  us  ex- 
amine the  language  of  the  Apostle.  "  B^or  unto  you  it  is 
given,"  says  he,  "  in  the  behalf  of  Christ,  not  only  to  believe 
on  him,  but  also  to  suffer  for  his  sake."  It  appears,  then,  from 
what  is  here  stated,  that  to  endure  persecution  and  obloquy 
for  a  conscientious  adherence  to  truth,  is  a  favor  conferred  upon 
us  by  our  divine  Master  ;  a  distinction ;  a  high  and  peculiar 
honor :  and  is  an  allotment  which  fully  as  much  originates 
in  the  goodness  of  God,  as  does  that  faith,  whereby  we  become 
interested  in  the  eternal  blessings  of  the  gospel  of  peace.  And 
that  such  is  actually  the  privilege  of  the  people  of  God,  St. 
Paul  demonstrates  to  the  Philippians  by  referring  to  his  own 
remarkable  example.  "  Having  the  same  conflict,"  he  tells 
them,  "  which  ye  saw  in  me,  and  now  hear  to  be  in  me  :"  or, 
to  express  his  meaning  more  fully — Why  should  you  be  sur- 
prised at  your  present  fiery  trial  7  It  is  the  proper  path  of  the 
Redeemer's  servants :  for  that  which  you  are  now  enduring 
is  of  a  similar  kind  with  those  sufferings,  which,  as  ye  are 
witnesses,  I  myself  was  called  to  bear  at  Philippi ;  and  cor- 
responds also  with  my  present  captivity,  of  which  the  tidings 
have  filled  you  with  such  unfeigned  commiseration.— Now,  in 
answer  to  the    inquiry,   wherein    consists  the    blessing  of 

*  Matt.  V.  10. 


chap:  I.  25-30]  EPISTLE  TO  THIlPniLIPPIANS.  (57 

being  thus  reproached  for  the  sake  of  Christ,   it  would   be 
quite  sufficient  to  say,   that  this  dispensation  is  one  of  the 
most  salutary  exercises  of  the  Christian's  faith  and  graces ;  and 
that,  though  not  for  the  present  joyous,  but  grievous,  neverthe- 
less, afterward,  through  the  divine  blessing,  it  worketh  the 
peaceable  fruit  of  righteousness.     But  St.  Peter  has  pointed  us 
to  a  still  more  delightful  representation  of  the  beauty  of  the 
believer's  sufferings.     He  tells  you,  that  you  are  thereby  tread- 
ing in  the  steps  of  that  Master,  who,  for  your  sakes,  endured  the 
cross,  and  despised  the  shame ;  and,  in  the  language  of  con- 
gratulation, exclaims,  "  Rejoice,  inasmuch  as  ye  are  partaker^ 
of  Christ's  sufferings."*     Such,  then,  undoubtedly,  was  the 
ground,  upon  which  St.  Paul  declared  to  the  converts  of  Phi- 
lippi,  that  to  be  ridiculed,  and  scorned,  and  misrepresented, 
was  the  great  happiness  of  the  redeemed  servants  of  God ;  and 
that,  accordingly,  it  was  the  road  on  which  they  were  most 
generally  called  to  travel,  while  proceeding  through  these  low- 
er scenes  to  their  incorruptible  inheritance.     Is  it  the  experi- 
ence, therefore,  of  any  of  you,  my  beloved  hearers,  that  to"  take 
up  the  cross,  arid  to  follow  Christ,  and  to  be  separate  from  a  vain 
and  wicked  world,  is  to  be  the  object  of  raillery  from  open  ene- 
mies, and  from  inconsistent  Christians  ?     Comfort  yourselves 
with  the  reflection,  that  in  all  this  there  is  nothing  strange, 
nor  new ;  go  back  over  the  past  generations  of  mankind ;  and 
see,  that,  because  it  is  a  glory  to  partake  of  the  Redeemer's 
sufferings,  prophets,  and  apostles,  and  martyrs,  were  your  pre- 
decessors on  this  same  thorny  path  of  hatred  and  of  opposition. 
Let  this  remembrance  accompany  you  in  all  your  intercourse 
with  those,  who  are  yet  in  the  blindness  of  the  carnal  mind. 
*  I.  Pet.  iv.  13. 


\ 


QQ  LECTURES  ON  THE 

It  will  animate  your  spirit ;  it  will  arm  you  with  constancy, 
and  fortitude,  and  holy  elevation  above  human  opinion  ;  and 
your  deportment  will  resemble  that  of  the  primitive  apostles, 
of  whom  it  is  said,  "  And  they  departed  from  the  presence  of 
the  council,  rejoicing  that  they  were  counted  worthy  to  suffer 
shame  for  his  name."* 

*  Acts,  V.  41. 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIIILIPPIANS.  g9 


LECTURE    VI. 


CHAPTER  II,  1—4. 

If  there  he  therefore  any  consolation  in  Christ,  if  any  comfort  of 
love,  if  any  fellowship  of  the  Spirit,  if  any  bowels  and  mer- 
cies. Fulfil  ye  my  joy,  that  ye  he  like-minded,  having  the  same 
love,  being"  of  one  accord,  of  one  mind.  Let  nothing  he  done 
through  strife  or  vain  glory ;  hut  in  lowliness  of  mind  let 
each  esteem  other  better  than  themselves.  Look  not  every 
man  on  his  own  things,  hut  every  man  also  on  the  things  of 
others. 

The  Apostle,  through  the  greater  portion  of  that  Chapter  upon 
which  we  are  now  entering,  continues  the  series  of  practical 
admonitions  recently  commenced ;  and,  by  the  affectionate 
and  solicitous  manner  in  which  he  delivers  these  precepts,  illus- 
trates one  of  the  distinguishing  features  of  his  Christian  cha- 
racter. If  there  be  any  thing  by  which  the  great  author  who 
penned  this  Epistle  is  peculiarly  marked,  it  is  a  perpetual  anx- 
iety for  the  spiritual  walk  of  those  who  were  Christ's  servants, 
and  candidates  for  a  world  of  glory.  This  desire  within  his 
mind  proceeded  from  various  and  powerful  motives.  Sur- 
rounded as  were  believers  by  enemies  and  gainsayers,  he  was 


70  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  VI. 

eager  that  they  should  do  honor  to  the  grace  of  Christ  by  a 
consistent  conversation ;  and  evince  to  men,  that  the  religion 
by  whose  influences  they  professed  to  be  governed  was  a  liv- 
ing reality.  Made  acquainted  himself,  through  the  teaching 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  with  that  immense  weight  of  obligation 
under  which  Christians  are  laid,  by  the  sacrifice  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  he  longed  to  see  the  people  of  God  testifying  their  in- 
ward sense  of  this  debt  of  gratitude ;  shewing  forth  their 
thankfulness  by  a  course  of  holy  living ;  and,  in  their  tem- 
pers, dispositions,  and  affections,  glorifying  Him  who  had 
"  bought"  them  "  with  a  price,"  through  all  the  periods  of  their 
journey.  And  when  we  consider,  further,  the  Apostle's  habi- 
tual contemplation  of  that  world  of  purity,  into  which  "  there 
"  shall  in  no  wise  enter  any  thing  that  defileth,"*  it  is  not  sur- 
prising that  he  should  be  ever  laboring,  both  in  regard  to  him- 
self and  to  others,  after  higher  measures  of  resemblance  to  its 
blessed  and  holy  inhabitants.  Under  the  influence  of  these 
united  considerations,  he  pursues,  in  the  words  now  to  be  con- 
sidered, his  course  of  fervent  and  solemn  exhortation. 

The  precepts  here  addressed  by  St.  Paul  to  his  friends  at 
Philippi,  are  introduced,  you  perceive,  by  an  affecting  appeal 
to  several  motives,  calculated  to  win  their  attention.  These 
are  contained  in  the  opening  verse  of  the  Chapter  ;  and  are 
successively  urged  with  great  tenderness  of  expression.  The 
Apostle  entreats  them,  first  of  all,  by  that  alleviation  of  his 
sorrows  and  sufferings  which  he  had  a  right  to  expect  from 
them,  as  brethren  in  the  faith  of  one  common  Lord.  "  If 
there  be  therefore,"  he  exclaims,  "  any  consolation  in  Christ :" 
as  if  he  had  said — May  I  reasonably  look  for  a  compassionate 

*  Rev.  xxi.  27. 


CHAP.  II.  1-i.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PllILlPPIANS,  71 

desire  to  sooth  ray  afflictions,  from  those  who  are  joined  with 
me  in  the  bonds  of  the  same  divine  Master  ?  By  this  sacred 
duty,  then,  comply  with  the  admonitions  which  I  now  trans- 
mit to  you  ;  and,  while  lying  in  tedious  captivity,  let  me  be 
cheered  with  the  tidings  that  you  are  "  perfecting  holiness  in 
the  fear  of  God."*  He  next  calls  upon  them  by  that  affec- 
tionate regard  for  his  person,  upon  which  he  might  properly 
rest  with  confidence.  "  If  any  comfort  of  love :"  meaning 
thereby  to  say,  that  their  attachment  to  him,  and  the  joy 
which  that  attachment,  thus  shown  by  their  compliance, 
would  convey  to  his  own  bosom,  ought  to  be  a  sufficient  in- 
ducement to  lead  them  into  obedience  to  his  wishes.  The  third 
argument  which  he  advances,  is  grounded  upon  the  unity  of 
sentiment  and  purpose  existing  between  these  fellow-Chris- 
tians and  himself,  by  their  common  enrolment  within  the 
church  of  the  Redeemer.  "  If  any  fellowship  of  the  Spirit," 
says  St.  Paul :  and  he  refers,  in  this  expression,  not  to  the 
participation,  by  believers,  of  the  blessings  and  graces  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  but  to  that  agreement  in  mind  and  wishes  which 
he  describes  in  the  Epistle  to  the  Ephesians,  when  he  says, 
"  There  is  one  body,  and  one  spirit."t  The  words  under  con- 
sideration might,  therefore,  properly  be  rendered,  "if  any 
/communion  in  spirit :"  intimating,  that  the  Apostle  considered 
/  it  the  duty  of  the  Philippian  converts,  as  professing  to  be  go- 
1  verned  by  the  sanae  great  views  and  objects  with  himself,  to 
.  lend  a  willing  ear  to  his  parental  admonitions.  The  impri- 
1  soned  servant  of  the  Lord  appeals^  last  of  all,  to  their  feelings 
of  compassion  for  his  present  wretched  condition.     "  If  any 

♦  11.  Cor.  vii.  1.  t  Eph.  iv.  1. 


72  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.VI. 

bowels  and  mercies,"  he  exclaims ;  intending,  by  these  pa- 
thetic terms,  to  beseech  them,  as  they  would  pour  one  ray  of 
light  into  the  darkness  of  his  captivity,  to  let  him  hear  that 
they  were  adorning  their  profession  by  a  correspondent  walk 
and  conversation. 

Such  is  the  brief  preface,  with  which  he  commends  to  his 
Christian  brethren  the  injunctions  that  follow.      You  per- 
\  ceive  that  the  motives  here  urged  are  entirely  of  a  j^Grsonal 
'  character.     He  does  not,  until  afterwards,  place  the  practical 
duties  of  the  gospel  upon  the  higher  ground  of  resemblance 
to  the  image  of  Christ :  and  this  blending  of  merely  human, 
with  heavenly  and  spiritual  considerations,  is  exhibited  with 
equal  tenderness  in  some  of  his  other  writings.     Thus,  in  the 
Epistle  to  the  Ephesians,  he  speaks  to  them  as  their  afflicted 
minister  and  friend  :  "  I  therefore,  the  prisoner  of  the  Lord, 
beseech  you  that  ye  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith 
ye  are  called."*    And  in  the  Epistle  to  Philemon,  he  expresses 
himself  in  the  same  touching  manner.     "  Wherefore,  though 
I  I  might  be  much  bold  in  Christ  to  enjoin  thee  that  which  is 
convenient,  yet  for  love's  sake  I  rather  beseech  thee,  being 
such  an  one  as  Paul  the  aged,  and  now  also  a  prisoner  of  Je- 
sus Christ."t     Now  by  nothing,  my  brethren,  more  than  by 
this  occasional  appeal  to  the  earthly  sympathies  of  the  heart, 
does  St.  Paul  evidence  his  desire  to  build  up  believers  in  the 
/  graces  and  holiness  of  the  gospel.     His  object,  upon  the  pre- 
I  sent  occasion,  was  to  lead  the  Christians  of  Philippi  to  the 
'   practice  of  every  thing  that  was  excellent,  lovely,  and  of  good 
report.     Knowing,  however,  as  he  did,  the  deep  importance  of 

*  Eph.  iv.  i.  t  Philem.  v.  9. 


CHAP.  H.  1-4.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANSI.  ^^ 

the  end  he  had  in  view,  he  determined  to  present  to  them 
every  various  excitement  to  obedience  ;  and,  accordingly,  ad- 
dressed them  on  the  ground  of  their  strong  and  unshaken  at- 
tachment to  himself,  as  their  father  in  the  gospel  of  Jesus. 
To  the  Apostle  they  had,  some  time  since,  become  united,  in 
the  bonds  of  a  most  intimate  friendship ;  they  had  enjoyed 
his  animating  presence  in  the  midst  of  them  ;  and,  while  re- 
ceiving from  his  lips  the  consolations  of  divine  truth,  and  the 
\  message  of  a  free  and  full  salvation  through  the  Redeemer's 
I  blood,  had  proved,  in  its  highest  extent,  the  power  of  a  Chris- 
j  tian  affection.     This  same  object  of  their  love  was  now  con- 
i  signed  to  imprisonment,  and  removed  from  their  vision :  and 
he  deemed  it,  with  great  reason,  a  very  probable  means  of 
quickening  their  advances  in  the  divine  life,  to  implore  them 
I  by  (heir  commiseration  of  his  cruel  bonds  ;  by  their  desires  to 
diminish  the  burden  of  his  sorrows  ;  by  all  their  past  and  pre- 
sent devotion  to  him,  as  the  appointed  instrument  of  their 
change  from  the  darkness  of  unbelief,  to  the  knowledge  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Such  was  his  method  of  address  to 
these  distant  converts  ;  and  it  is  not  to  be  doubted  that  it  had 
its  efficacy,  in  impelling  them  to  seek  after  increasing  confor- 
mity to  Him,  who  was  "  holy,  harmless,  undefiled,  and  sepa- 
rate from  sinners."* 

Having  thus  endeavored  to  gain  the  hearts  of  those  to 
whom  he  was  writing,  St.  Paul  proceeds  to  convey  to  them 
some  additional  practical  exhortations. 

The  first  in  order  is  presented  to  you  in  the  second  verse, 

and  is  thus  expressed  ;  "  Fulfil  ye  my  joy,"  that  is,  complete 

1  the  satisfaction  and  delight  which  I  experienced,  when  you 

*  Heb.  vii.  26. 


10 


jA  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  VI. 

were  first  converted  to  the  way  of  life :  "  that  ye  be  like- 
minded,  having  the  same  love,  being  of  one  accord,  of  one 
mind."  At  the  very  first  reading  of  this  admonition,  you 
will  be  reminded  of  a  similar  precept  which  occurs  near  the 
conclusion  of  the  former  Chapter  ;  and  which  formed  one  of 
the  topics  of  consideration  in  the  preceding  Lecture.  The 
Apostle's  object,  both  there,  and  in  the  language  before  us,  is 
\  to  recommend  Christian  union  and  harmony,  on  the  common 
r'  ground  of  the  gospel ;  and  the  duty  of  forgetting  unimportant 
(  differences,  for  the  great  object  of  glorifying,  with  one  heart 
■  and  mouth,  the  Author  of  our  eternal  redemption.  Now  this 
injunction  he  considered  so  highly  useful  in  its  character,  as 
to  deserve  being  again  urged  upon  the  view  of  his  brethren  : 
according  to  a  liberty,  therefore,  which  he  is  seen  allowing  to 
himself  frequently  upon  other  occasions,  he  presents  the  ad- 
monition a  second  time  before  them,  and  in  almost  the  same 
expressions.  Let  us  turn  to  his  language.  "  That  ye  be 
like-minded,"  he  observes  ;  that  is,  instead  of  being  in  conti- 
nual warfare  with  each  other,  let  your  desires,  and  affections, 
and  hopes,  be  all  one  in  the  love  and  service  of  the  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ.  "  Having  the  same  love  ;"  in  other  words,  being 
filled  with  mutual  affection,  however,  as  to  some  points,  differ- 
ing in  private  opinion.  "  Being  of  one  accord ;"  that  is,  min- 
gling spirit  with  spirit  in  a  perfect  communion  of  feeling. 
The  only  difference  between  the  precept  now  under  review, 
and  that  which  is  found  in  the  foregoing  Chapter,  is  in  the 
last  words  of  the  verse  before  us.  They  stand  in  our  venera- 
ble Version,  "of  one  mind:"  but  this  translation  conveys 
hardly  an  adequate  idea  of  the  precise  meaning  of  the  sacred 


CHAP.  II    1-4]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIIILIPPIANS.  75 

Apostle.  Ijiterally  lendered,  the  expressions  of  St.  Paul  would 
be,  "  minding  the  one  thing  ;"  and  he  hereby  describes  very 
happily  that  heavenly  spirit,  which,  passing  by  all  lesser  con- 
siderations, leads  Christians  to  labor  together  after  the  single, 
paramount,  glorious  object,  of  becoming  renewed  day  by  day 
after  the  image  of  God,  "in  righteousness  and  true  holi- 
ness."* 

The  advice,  therefore,  now  given  to  the  disciples  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  is  to  sacrifice  Qninor  objects  to  the  great 
end  of  increasing  in  j)ersonal  religion.  And  I  may  pro- 
perly take  occasion,  my  brethren,  from  these  words,  to  observe, 
that  it  has  ever  been  foimd  true  in  the  history  of  the  church 
of  Christ,  that,  in  proportion  as  a  spirit  of  eagerness  for  lesser 
points  has  increased  among  believers,  "  the  one  thing"  here 
referred  to  by  the  inspired  penman  has  been  less  ardently  co- 
veted and  sought ;  real,  heart-felt,  spiritual  piety,  has  visibly 
declined  ;  and  amidst  contentious  anxiety  in  behalf  of  favor- 
ite dogmas,  or  ceremonial  observances,  the  weightier  matters 
of  the  law  have  been  utterly  neglected  and  forgotten.  This 
statement,  so  accurate  in  its  application  to  collective  bodies  of 
Christians,  will  also  hold  good  with  reference  to  individual  be- 
lievers. Some,  indeed,  there  may  be,  who,  with  the  most 
strenuous  and  controversial  activity  for  their  own  views  of  dis- 
cipline, and  of  subordinate  articles  of  faith,  have  combined  an 
intimate  communion  with  God,  and  uncommon  spirituality  of 
life.  These  instances,  however,  by  their  very  rareness  of  oc- 
currence, rather  offer  grounds  for  thankfulness,  than  at  all  di- 
minish the  force  and  correctness  of  the  position  :  and,  if  we 
turn  our  eyes  around  us,  and  survey  the  various  professors  of 

*  Eph.  iv.  24. 


l) 


Y6  LECTURES  ON  THE  ILECT,  VI . 

the  religion  of  Jesus  within  the  range  of  our  own  observation, 
we  shall  discover  that  the  most  distinguished  for  their  humihty, 
their  heavenly-mindedness,  their  attainments  in  all  that  marks 
the  character  of  the  real  children  of  God,  are  not  those,  like- 
wise, who  are  kindling  the  flames  of  controversy  within  the 
bosom  of  the  church ;  alienating  brethren  from  brethren  ; 
and  sacrificing  at  the  shrine  of  their  own  cherished  opinions 
the  peace  of  Christ's  spiritual  kingdom.  Be  it  ours,  therefore, 
in  remembrance  of  the  brevity  of  life,  and  the  great  work 
which  the  Father  has  given  us  to  do,  to  impress  the  apostolic 
rule  before  us  indelibly  upon  our  hearts.  "  One  thing  is  need- 
ful," said  the  Saviour  of  men  :  after  this  let  us  strive  :  and 
make  it  the  supreme  end  of  our  transitory  being,  to  have 
Christ  formed  within  us,  "  the  hope  of  glory."* 

Another  precept  of  the  Apostle  is  contained  in  the  third 
verse  ;  and  sets  forth,  in  most  attractive  terms,  the  important 
duty  of  Christian  humility. — Upon  this  subject  he  thus  ex- 
presses himself:  "  Let  nothing  be  done  through  strife  or  vain 
glory  ;  but  in  lowhness  of  mind  let  each  esteem  other  better 
than  themselves."  The  admonition  thus  addressed  to  the 
I  Phihppian  believers  related,  in  all  probability,  principally  to 
their  deportment  in  managing  the  concerns  of  the  church  : 
being  intended  as  a  caution  against  arrogance  and  rivalry ; 
and  an  incitement  to  the  cultivation,  in  all  their  doings,  of  a 
meek  and  self-renouncing  disposition.  Like  the  various  other 
precepts,  however,  contained  in  the  blessed  volume  of  life,  it 
was  meant  to  regulate  the  conduct  of  the  servants  of  Christ 
under  all  possible  circumstances :  and  we  may  imagine  the 
Apostle  as  saying  to  each  of  us,  in  our  respective  situations  in 

*  Col.  i.  27. 


CHAP.  II.  1—11  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  77 

the  present  world  — Guard,  with  strictest  watchfulness,  against 
that  conceited  temper,  which  pays  no  deference  to  others  ; 
and,  instead  of  thus  pertinaciously  upholding  your  own  opin- 
ions, and  exalting  your  own  wisdom,  look  with  respect  and 
self-diffidence  upon  those  with  whom  you  mingle  in  the  inter- 
course of  life.  The  exhortation  of  St.  Paul,  as  thus  explained, 
corresponds  exactly  with  another  which  is  found  in  his  Epistle 
to  the  Romans  ;  "  in  honor  preferring  one  another  ;"*  and  also 
with  that  addressed  by  him  to  the  believers  of  Ephesus ; 
"  with  all  lowliness  and  meekness,  with  long-suffering,  for- 
bearing one  another  in  love."t  ^('- 

I  do  not  know,  my  brethren,  that  there  is  any  one  quality 
more  conspicuous  in  the  real  Christian,  than  this  disposition  to 
think  lightly  of  himself,  and  to  view  with  esteem  and  rever- 
ence the  attainments  of  his  fellow-men.  There  is  a  simplicity 
in  such  a  man,  which  accompanies  him  wherever  he  proceeds; 
and  which  no  power  of  intellect,  and  no  extent  of  human 
learning,  can  destroy  or  diminish.  The  reason  of  this  remark- 
able fact  is  sufficiently  easy  of  explanation.  Humility_is  the 
regular  habit  of  every  converted  mind.  Through  divine  grace, 
the  believer  has  been  brought  to  an  inward  and  abasing  con- 
viction of  his  state  as  a  sinner  before  God  ;  he  finds  nothing 
in  self  upon  which  he  can  rest  with  complacency  and  satisfac- 
tion ;  and,  by  this  daily  and  hourly  view  of  his  spiritual  emp- 
tiness, he  is  led,  by  degrees,  to  form  the  same  lowly  estimate 
of  all  his  mental  qualities,  and  of  every  personal  attainment. 
He  is  thus  prepared  to  listen,  with  a  quiet  and  unobtrusive 
spirit,  to  the  instructions  of  other  men  ;  he  is  "  swift  to  hear, 
and  slow  to  speak  ;"t  and,  in  the  communication  of  his  own 

*  Rom.  xii.  10.  t  Eph.  iv.  2.  t  James,  i.  19. 


•jg  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  VI. 

sentiments  and  knowledge,  is  characterized  by  a  manner  the 
very  reverse  of  inflated  consequence,  and  dictatorial  arrogance. 
Such  being  the  necessary  result  of  that  inward  change,  by 
which  the  proud  heart  of  man  is  made  to  bend  before  the  foot 
of  the  Redeemer's  cross,  the  Apostle  very  properly  urges,  upon 
those  who  name  the  name  of  Christ,  the  cultivation  of  so  dis- 
tinguishing an  evidence  of  the  sincerity  of  their  profession.  It 
is  evident  to  every  attentive  observer  of  the  Christian  world, 
that  there  are  very  many,  among  the  professed  members  of 
the  kingdom  of  God,  in  whom  this  self-complacent  disposition, 
condemned  in  the  words  before  us,  is  reigning  in  its  fullest  ex- 
tent. In  conversation  with  their  fellow-men,  they  are  found 
dogmatically  stating  their  opinions,  and  adhering  to  them  with 
vain  pertinacity ;  and,  whenever  brought,  by  the  business  of 
life,  into  collision  with  others,  are  uniformly  distinguished  as 
those  whom  neither  argument  nor  persuasion  can  ever  con- 
strain to  yield.  Of  such  disciples  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  it 
seems  no  breach  of  charity  to  infer,  that  divine  grace  has  never 
in  reality  effected  a  renewing  change  within  their  hearts  ;  or 
it  would  certainly  have  stamped  upon  their  characters  that 
meek  and  humble  spirit,  which  so  effectually  marks  the  ser- 
i  vants  of  God.  To  these,  therefore,  the  admonition  of  the 
I  Apostle  addresses  itself  with  peculiar  force :  it  seems  to  ask 
I  them  for  the  fruits  of  their  conversion :  it  bids  them  cease  to 
claim  the  title,  before  they  have  exhibited  the  qualifications 
,  of  the  behever.  It  is  to  be  observed,  however,  that,  as  it  is 
I  the  Spirit's  work  upon  the  soul  only  to  subdue,  not  to 
eradicate,  the  evil  propensities  of  nature,  so  there  are 
those  among  real  Christians  who  occasionally,  in  the  inter- 


CHAP.  U.  1—4.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  79 

course  of  life,  manifest  some  remains  of  the  arrogance  that 
distinguished  their  unconverted  mind.  With  respect  to  these, 
then,  we  are  not  hastily  to  conclude  that  they  are  as  yet  desti- 
tute of  the  renewed  heart.  The  proper  course  is  to  compare 
the  present  extent  of  this  proneness  to  self-conceit,  with  that 
which  marked  them  in  other  days  ;  to  see  how  far  it  has  been 
overcome ;  and  thus  to  find  a  new  evidence  of  the  triumphs 
of  the  gospel,  in  the  victory  which  it  has  achieved  over  the 
original  disposition  of  their  fallen  and  corrupted  nature.  In 
the  mean  time,  the  very  fact  that  even  many  Christians  are 
thus,  in  some  slight  degree,  at  variance  with  the  principles  of 
their  calling,  is  the  most  powerful  of  excitements  to  lead  us  all  to 
watchfulness  and  prayer ;  to  daily  self-examination  ;  and  to 
constant  aspirations  after  larger,  and  still  larger  measures  of 
conformity  to  Him,  who  was  "  meek  and  lowly  in  heart."* 

St.  Paul  gives  the  Philippians,  in  the  fourth  verse,  another 
injunction  exceedingly  useful  in  its  character ;  the  duty  of 
cultivating  a  generous  and  accommodating  disposition,  in 
the  daily  intercourse  of  the  loorld. — The  precept  is  thus 
expressed  ;  "  Look  not  every  man  on  his  own  things,  but  every 
man  also  on  the  things  of  others  :"  and  the  Apostle  means  to 
condemn  that  selfish  spirit,  which  leads  men  to  keep  a  single 
eye  upon  their  own  interest  and  advantage,  to  the  total  disre- 
gard of  the  welfare  of  others.  The  admonition  is  delivered  in 
very  similar  language,  in  the  First  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians  ; 
"  Let  no  man  seek  his  own,  but  every  man  another's  wealth."t 
And,  in  another  part  of  that  same  Epistle,  it  is  stated  as  one 
of  the  characteristic  marks  of  Christian  "  charit}^,"  or  love, 
that  she  "  seeketh  not  her  own."t     You  will  perceive,  by  at- 

♦  Matt.  xi.  29.  t  I.  Cor.  x.  24.  t  I.  Cor.  xiii.  5. 


80  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  VI. 

tending  closely  to  the  phraseology  of  the  sacred  writer,  in  the 
passage  now  under  consideration,  that  he  by  no  means  intends 
to  forbid  a  reasonable  degree  of  attention  to  the  promotion  of 
,      your  own  happiness  and  profit.     When  he  says,  "  Look  not 
'     every  man  on  his  own  things,"  he  means  to  say,  that  this  is 
I    not  to  be  your  exclusive  aim  :  for  immediately  afterwards  he 
.  I    adds,  "  but  every  man  also  on  the  things  of  others  ;"  that  is, 
\   seek  what  is  useful  and  comfortable  for  yourselves  ;  but,  at  the 
I   same  time,  have  some  reference,  in  your  actions,  to  the  well- 
being  of  your  fellow-men. 

Now  the  command  here  given  by  St.  Paul  may  be  under- 
stood as  applying,  first  of  all,  to  the  grand  duty  of  consecrating 
some  portion  of  life,  and  talent,  and  property,  to  the  advance- 
ment of  the  best  interests  of  mankind.  The  Christian  casts 
his  eyes  around  him  ;  and  beholds,  wherever  he  turns,  a 
world  groaning  under  spiritual  ignorance,  or  under  the  tempo- 
ral evils  of  life.  Toward  these,  his  heart,  if  properly  affected, 
will  be  drawn  with  a  noble  benevolence  of  feeling ;  he  will 
strive  for  their  illumination  ;  he  will  assist  in  the  alleviation  of 
their  miseries ;  and,  even  if  the  object  asks  for  some  sacrifice 
of  time,  or  for  a  reasonable  measure  of  his  worldly  goods,  he 
will  cheerfully,  and  with  delighted  spirit,  contribute  the  boon. 
Wherever,  therefore,  my  brethren,  as  you  travel  through  the 
pilgrimage  of  life,  you  meet  with  a  professed  servant  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  shuts  up  his  soul  within  the  narrow 
circle  of  self ;  who  never  expands  his  views,  to  behold  the  con- 
dition of  this  ruined  globe  upon  which  he  dwells ;  whose 
labors,  whose  endowments,  whose  possessions,  are  all  em- 
ployed upon  personal  objects,  and  confer  nothing  toward  the 
general  good ;  turn  from  such  an  one  to  the  admonitory  Ian- 


CHAP.  II.  1—4.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  gl 

guage  of  the  Apostle,  and  read,  in  explicit  terms,  the  futility  of 
his  pretensions. 

There  are,  however,  some  subordinate  parts  of  the  believer's 
conduct,  to  which  the  precept  before  us  may  very  reasonably 
be  presumed  to  refer.  This  kind  and  yielding  regard  to  the 
comfort  of  others,  should  accompany  the  Christian  through  all 
the  scenes  and  circumstances  of  his  life ;  give  a  gentleness  to 
his  social  intercourse ;  and  make  him  ever  ready  to  prefer,  to 
his  own  convenience,  that  of  the  friends  among  whom  Provi- 
dence has  placed  him.  And  experience  does,  indeed,  most 
assuredly  prove,  that  it  is  in  the  disciples  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  above  all  other  men,  that  the  spirit  of  genuine  polite- 
ness is  found  to  dwell.  The  religion  of  the  gospel  takes  off 
the  natural  selfishness  of  the  human  character ;  creates  a  de- 
sire to  promote  the  good,  and  to  study  the  pleasure  of  others  ; 
and  its  operation  is  particulaily  to  be  seen  among  the  ruder 
classes  of  life,  and  in  those  who,  before  the  illumination  of  the 
grace  of  God,  were  only  engaged  in  the  unyielding  pursuit  of 
their  own  profit  and  advantage.  After  this  attractive  spirit,  be 
it  yours,  my  beloved  hearers,  daily  to  strive.  Drink  into  the 
spirit  of  your  Master.  Learn  a  lesson  of  self-renunciation  at 
the  foot  of  the  cross.  As  you  travel  through  these  lower  scenes, 
keep  ever  before  your  eye  the  image  of  Him,  who  "  came  not 
to  be  ministered  unto,  but  to  minister,  and  to  give  his  life  a 
ransom  for  many."* 

*  Matt.  XX.  28. 


Q2  LE(  TURES  ON  THE 


LECTURE  VII. 


CHAPTER  IT.  5—11. 

Let  this  mind  be  in  you,  which  was  also  in  Christ  Jesus  :  Who, 
being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought  it  not  robbery  to  be  equal 
with  God :  But  made  hiinself  of  no  reputation,  and  took  upon 
him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and  loas  made  in  the  likeness  of 
men:  And  being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man,  he  humbled  him- 
self, and  became  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the 
cross.  Wherefore  God  also  hath  highly  exalted  him,  and 
given  him  a  name  which  is  above  every  name :  That  at  the 
name  of  Jesus  every  knee  should  bow,  of  things  in  heaven, 
and  things  in  earth,  and  things  under  the  earth;  And  that 
every  tongue,  should  confess  that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord,  to 
the  glory  of  God  the  Father. 

In  those  four  previous  verses  of  the  present  Chapter,  vrhich 
formed  the  subject  of  my  last  Lecture,  the  Apostle  had  urged 
some  important  duties  upon  merely  •personal  considerations. 
He  now  takes  higher  and  more  spiritual  ground ;  and  exhorts 
the  Christians  of  Philippi  to  the  practice  of  holiness,  from  the 
example  of  the  once  lowly  and  suffering,  but  now  glorified 
Captain  of  their  salvation.  The  propriety  of  addressing  re- 
newed believers  with  such  an  argument  is  easily  perceived. 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  §3 

When  the  Christian,  through  faith,  receives  the  atonement  of 
the  Saviour*of  men,  he  makes  the  love  of  Jesus  Christ,  as 
displayed  in  that  astonishing  sacrifice,  the  object  of  his  daily 
and  grateful  contemplation.  St.  Paul,  therefore,  rightly  admo- 
nishes the  professed  disciple,  to  bear  in  mind  this  heavenly 
model  with  reference  to  the  precepts  he  was  now  enforcing ; 
and  to  become  moulded,  by  degrees,  into  those  same  gracious 
dispositions,  which  characterized  our  adorable  Master.  The 
last  duty  to  which  the  attention  of  the  Philippians  had  been 
called,  was  that  contained  in  the  fourth  verse.  "  Look  not 
every  man,"  says  the  Apostle,  "  on  his  own  things,  but  every 
man  also  on  the  things  of  others  ;"  implying  that  disinterested 
spirit,  by  which,  from  a  desire  to  promote  the  welfare  of  others, 
an  individual  is  willing  to  forego  his  own  comfort,  and  his 
own  advantage.  In  order  to  excite  those  to  whom  he  was 
writing  to  the  cultivation  of  this  lovely  virtue,  he  brings  before 
them  the  incarnation  of  Jesus  Christ ;  setting  forth,  in  that 
act  of  the  Redeemer  by  which  he  left  his  glory,  and  took 
upon  him  the  infirmities  of  our  nature,  the  perfection  of  self- 
sacrificing  benevolence.  The  subject  thus  presented  to  your 
consideration,  is  in  delightful  unison  with  those  reflections  to 
which  the  present  season,  more  especially,  invites  the  Christian 
believer.* 

In  exhibiting  the  infinite  good-will  of  the  Saviour  of  men, 
and  the  disinterested  character  of  his  visit  to  the  world,  the 
Apostle  states 

1.  The  glory  of  that  cojiditmi  which  he  left. — "  Let  this 
mind  be  in  you,"  he  says,  "  which  was  also  in  Christ  Jesus  : 
who,  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought  it  not  robbery  to  be 

*  This  Lecture  was  delivered  on  tine  Sunday  after  Ciiristmas-Day. 


84  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT  .  VIT. 

equal  with  God."  By  the  expression  "  form  of  God,"  he  in- 
tends to  represent  that  majestic  glory  in  which  the  Deity  re- 
sides ;  and  which  seems  to  be  referred  to  in  the  First  Epistle 
to  Timothy,  where  the  King  of  kings  is  described  as  "  dwell- 
ing in  the  light  which  no  man  can  approach  unto."*  In  that 
Chapter  of  St.  Matthew's  gospel  which  records  the  splendid 
transfiguration  of  Christ,  the  words  rendered  "  he  was  transfi- 
gured before  them,"!  signify  properly,  "  he  changed  his  form  ;'* 
that  is,  instead  of  his  ordinary  appearance,  he  became  enve- 
loped in  another  of  surpa^singj;adiance.  This  passage  throws 
light  upon  the  words  before  us :  and  shews  us,  that  the  Apos- 
tle intended  to  carry  the  thoughts  of  the  PhiUppians  to  that 
effulgence  in  which  the  Godhead  is  enthroned ;  and  of  which 
the  Redeemer  likewise  equally  partook,  before  his  descent  to 
this  lower  world  for  human  redemption.  Such,  then,  was  the 
grandeur  of  Christ's  original  condition :  he  was  encircled  with 
the  splendors  of  divinity  :  and,  accordingly,  St.  Paul  tells  us, 
in  the  place  now  under  review,  that  he  "  thought  it  not  rob- 
bery to  be  equal  with  God ;"  that  is,  he  considered  it  as  no 
I  usurpation  of  privileges  and  honors  to  which  he  had  not  a 
\  rightful  claim,  to  require  the  same  homage  for  himself  that  is 
paid  to  the  almighty  Father. — From  this  exalted  estate,  there- 
fore, which  the  Redeemer  of  sinners  relinquished  for  a  season, 
the  sacred  writer  leads  you  to  infer  the  infinite  benevolence  of 
his  sacrifice,  for  man's  apostate  and  perishing  race.  Let  us 
dwell,  for  a  few  moments,  upon  the  idea  here  presented  to  our 
contemplation,  A  world  of  sinners  is  lying,  hopeless  and  con- 
demned, beneath  the  sentence  of  a  violated  law.  These  of- 
fenders against  heaven  turn  their  eyes  in  every  direction  for 

*  I.  Tim.  vi.  16.  t  Matt.  xvii.  2. 


CHAP.  II.  5— n.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  86 

deliverance,  and  turn  them  in  vain  ;  they  look,  and  there  is 
none  to  save ;  and  the  penalty  of  trangression  still  hangs  over 
their  heads,  with  all  its  accumulation  of  horrors  inconceivable 
in  degree,  and  eternal  in  duration.  A  Deliverer  interposes  ; 
and,  in  order  that  others  may  be  pardoned  and  restored,  con- 
sents to  leave  his  own  privileged  condition,  and  to  descend  to 
the  habitations  of  men.  And  who  is  this  Saviour,  for  those 
who  cannot  save  themselves  ?  It  is  He  who.  from  eternal 
ages,  dwelt  in  the  fulness  of  the  Father's  glory.  It  is  He  to 
whom  thrones,  and  dominions,  and  principalities,  and  powers 
were  subject.  It  is  One  who,  as  being  the  King  of  the  uni- 
verse, was  surrounded  by  all  the  accompanying  grandeur 
of  this  august  station  ;  and  before  the  intolerable  brightness 
of  whose  majesty  the  angels  veiled  their  faces.  Such  is  the 
Personage,  who,  for  the  purpose  of  man's  rescue,  visits  these 
lower  scenes  for  his  appointed  season.  My  brethren,  you  ca7i- 
not  adequately  estimate  the  magnitude  of  this  self-renuncia- 
tion, exhibited  by  the  Son  of  God  for  dying  sinners.  But,  so 
far  as  you  can  grasp  it  within  finite  comprehension,  let  it  call 
forth  your  profoundest  astonishment,  and  your  tenderest  love. 
Jesus  divests  himself  of  his  glory  ;  leaves  behind  him  the  infi- 
nite majesty  of  the  Eternal's  throne ;  and,  "  though  rich,  yet 
for  your  sakes  becomes  poor,  that  ye  through  his  poverty 
might  be  rich."* 

Having  thus  described  the  condition  which  Christ  Jesus  re- 
linquished, when  he  undertook  the  salvation  of  men,  St. 
Paul  proceeds  to  set  forth 

2.  That  which  he  assumed. — This  part  of  his  account  of 
the  Redeemer's  incarnation,  is  contained  in  the  seventh  and 

*  II.  Cor.  viii.  9. 


86  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT,  VII. 

eighth  verses  of  the  Chapter  before  us. — Notwithstanding  the 
original  glory  which  he  possessed,  yet,  says  the  Apostle,  he 
"  made  himself  of  no  reputation."  These  words  imperfectly 
express  the  force  of  the  author's  language ;  which  signifies 
properly,  that  the  Lord  Jesus  emptied,  or  divested  himself,  of 
that  divine  splendor  in  which  he  was  once  enthroned,  as  the 
Maker  of  things  visible  and  invisible.  You  are  told  further, 
that  he  "  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant :"  that  is,  after 
having  been  possessed  of  the  outward  grandeur  and  appear- 
ance of  Deity,  he  assumed  the  appearance  and  condition  of  a 
person  among  the  lower  orders  of  mankind.  The  Apostle 
also  says,  that  he  "  was  made  in  the  hkeness  of  men  :"  or,  in 
other  words,  he  went  so  far,  for  the  redemption  of  the  human 
family,  as  to  unite  himself  with  our  infirm  and  sorrowing 
nature ;  and  the  observation  is  similar  to  another  of  the  same 
inspired  writer,  in  his  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  that  "  God  sent 
his  own  Son  in  the  hkeness  of  sinful  flesh."*  But  he  carries 
us  still  farther,  in  his  delineation  of  that  lowly  and  suffering  es- 
tate, of  which  Christ  became  the  voluntary  subject.  "  And 
being  found,"  says  he,  ''  in  fashion  as  a  man,"  that  is,  resem- 
bling in  all  respects  one  of  us,  only  without  sin,  "  he  humbled 
himself;"  or,  to  convey  the  meaning  more  fully,  he  submitted 
to  every  form  of  ignominy,  and  to  every  species  of  personal 
privation  :  "  and  became  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death 
of  the  cross  ;"  that  is,  to  such  an  extent  did  he  carry  his  free 
and  willing  performance  of  that  atoning  work,  which  the 
Father  had  given  him  to  finish,  that  he  refused  not  even  to 
expire  by  an  agonizing  and  public  execution,  with  the  com- 
monest and  basest  malefactors  that  suffer  the  penalty  of  their 

*  Rom.  viii.  3. 


CHAP.  II.  5-11]  EPIoTLE  TO  TI1£  PIlILIl'PlANrf.  87 

Giimes. — It  is  in  tJie^e  affecting  terms,  that  the  Apostle  de- 
scribes the  earthly  condition  of  the  incarnate  Saviour  of  man- 
kind ;  and,  in  the  various  expressions  here  used,  he  seems  to 
utter  this  one  idea  —Not  only  did  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  for 
,  man's  redemption,  disrobe  himself  of  his  heavenly  glory,  but 
1  he  illustrated  his  self-renouncing  regard  for  others  by  entering 
\  into  the  opposite  extreme  of  misery.  His  benevolence  was 
not  simply  negative,  in  consenting  to  be,  for  a  season,  without 
that  dignity  which  belonged  to  him  ;  but  it  was  exhibited  in 
a  positive  endurance  of  all  those  calamities,  griefs,  and  pains, 
which  are  the  heritage  of  dying  men.  How  overwhelming, 
my  brethren,  considered  in  this  view,  is  the  representation  here 
given  you  by  the  sacred  writer,  of  the  disinterested  love  of 
that  Friend  of  sinners  !  He  not  only  leaves  heaven,  but  he 
passes  through  the  sharpest  sorrows  of  earth.  There  is  no 
degradation  to  which  he  does  not  subject  himself,  as  he  travels 
on  his  pilgrimage  of  mortality.  He  is  the  victim  of  cruel  in- 
sult ;  he  has  not  where  to  lay  his  head  ;  he  is  assaulted  by 
wicked  hands  ;  he  ascends  a  tree  of  shame  and  torture,  and 
yields  up  the  ghost !  Such  was  the  Redeemer's  incarnate  ca- 
reer; and  the  words  before  us,  which  describe  it,  may  be  properly 
placed  by  the  side  of  the  prophet's  anticipating  strains.  "He  is  des- 
pised and  rejected  of  men;  a  man  of  sorrows,  and  acquainted  with 
grief:  he  was  despised,  and  we  esteemed  him  not.  Surely  he 
hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried  our  sorrows  :  he  was 
wounded  for  our  transgressions,  he  was  bruised  for  our  iniqui- 
I  ties  :  the  chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon  him  ;  and  with 
I     his  stripes  we  are  healed."* 

After  having  thus  illustrated  the  two-fold  representation 

*  Isaiah,  liii.  3.  4.  5. 


88  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  VII. 

given  by  St.  Paul,  of  Christ's  original  exaltation,  and  of  the 
condition  which  he  assumed,  it  seems  proper,  my  brethren, 
briefly  to  apply  to  your  hearts  the  moral  lesson  with  which  he 
accompanies  the  statement.  St.  Paul  had  been  enforcing  the 
I  duty  of  becoming  divested,  as  far  as  possible,  of  the  selfish- 
j  ness  of  unrenewed  nature  ;  and  of  sacrificing  personal  consi- 
derations to  the  well-being  of  your  neighbor  and  friend.  As 
the  highest  of  all  excitements  to  the  cultivation  of  this  affec- 
tionate spirit,  he  proposes  the  example  of  the  Lord  Jesus  :  bid- 
ding the  Christian  to  carry  in  his  heart,  wherever  he  goes,  the 
remembrance  of  that  self-renouncing  Master  who  came  to  die 
for  the  guilty.  "  Let  this  mind,"  says  he,  "  be  in  you,  which 
was  also  in  Christ  Jesus."  With  this  same  intention,  permit 
me  now  to  hold  up  to  your  view,  the  incarnate  "  Apostle  and 
High  Priest  of  our  profession."*  Is  there  within  this  congre- 
gation the  man,  who,  while  millions  are  perishing  for  lack  of 
knowledge,  will  neither  consecrate  one  moment,  nor  devote 
one  least  portion  of  the  gifts  of  Providence,  to  the  diffusion  of 
gospel  truth  among  these  wanderers  in  thick  darkness  ? 
Look  at  this  Author  of  human  salvation.  That  men  may  be 
rescued  from  condemnation,  brought  back  to  the  favor  of  God, 
and  crowned  with  eternal  felicity  in  his  heavenly  kingdom, 
he  leaves  "  the  glory  which  he  had  with  the  Father  before  the 
world  was  ;"!  he  is  "  brought  as  a  lamb  to  the  slaughter,  and 
as  a  sheep  before  her  shearers  is  dumb,  so  he  openeth  not  his 
mouth"t  Is  there  here  the  person,  who,  in  the  daily  inter- 
course of  life,  consults  no  comfort,  no  advantage,  no  pleasure,  but 
his  own  ;  and  who,  not  even  in  a  single  instance,  is  discovered 
forgetting  the  accommodation  of  self,  in  his  wishes  to  secure  the 

*  Heb.  iii.  I.  t  John,  xvii.  6.  t  Isakh,  liii.  7. 


CHAP.  II.  5-11)  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIIILIPPIANS.  g9 

happiness  of  another  ?  Turn  to  the  model  whicli  the  Apos- 
tle furnishes  ;  and  be  convicted  ;  and  imitate.  For  whose  in- 
terests did  Jesus  meditate,  when  he  forsook  that  bright  condi- 
tion, and  "  humbled  himself  to  be  born  of  a  virgin  ?"  To 
whom  had  he  regard,  when  he  suffered  himself  to  be  scourged, 
and  buffeted,  and  scorned  ?  Whose  happiness  was  in  his  eye, 
when,  without  resistance,  he  was  nailed  to  the  ignominious 
scaffold,  and  bled,  and  died  ?  Keep  before  your  view  this  stu 
pendous  exemplification  of  love,  and  you  will  need  no  argu- 
\  ment  more  powerful ;  it  will  melt  your  hard  spirit ;  it  will 
lead  you  to  see  the  heavenly  beauty  of  that  disposition  of 
mind,  which  seeks,  and  strives,  and  prays,  for  the  prosperity 
of  a  brother  man.  And  it  is  from  their  knowledge  of  the  ef- 
ficacy of  this  divine  example,  that  the  inspired  writers  are  so 
constantly,  in  their  pages,  holding  it  forth  as  the  incentive  to 
every  generous  affection.  Be  it  yours  to  study  it  day  by  day  ; 
endeavor  to  imbibe  more  and  more  of  the  mind  of  the  Lord 
Jesus ;  and  your  conduct  will  by  degrees  exhibit,  that  which 
is  now  perhaps  little  manifested,  the  warmth  of  a  disinterested, 

\    generous,  and  beneficent  heart.     "  Let  every  one  of  us  please 
his  neiglibor  for  his   good  to  edification.     For  even  Christ 

I     pleased  not  himself;  but,  as  it  is  written,  The  reproaches  of 
them  that  reproached  thee  fell  on  me."* 

From  this  description  of  the  voluntary  humiUation  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Apostle,  before  proceeding  in  his  course 
of  practical  admonitions,  passes  to  a  brief,  but  magnificent 
representation,  of  the  Redeemer's  fresent  exalted  condition. 
This  subject  is  treated  in  the  ninth,  and  two  following  verses  ; 
in  which  he  represents,  in  terms  of  wonderful  eloquence  and 

*  Rom.  XV.  -Z.  3. 
12 


QQ  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  VII. 

majesty,  the  station  of  our  divine  Lord  on  the  throne  of  his 
mediatorial  kingdom.  Let  us  examine  the  words  which  he 
employs.  "  Wherefore  God  also,"  he  declares,  "  hath  highly 
exalted  him,  and  given  him  a  name  which  is  above  every 
name  :"  by  which  he  means  to  say,  that  the  Saviour  of  the 
world,  having  performed  the  great  atonement  for  iniquity,  has 
been  invested  by  the  Father  with  supreme  dominion ;  and 
that  the  honor,  dignity,  and  authority,  which  he  has  thus  re- 
ceived, are  such  as  none  has  ever  yet  possessed,  or  shall  possess  in 
days  to  come.  The  universal  power  which  the  Lord  Jesus, 
thus  elevated  as  the  Head  of  his  church,  exerts  over  all  crea- 
ted beings,  is  thus  expressed.  "  That  at  the  name,"  or,  before 
the  authority,  "  of  Jesus,  every  knee  should  bow ;  of  things 
in  heaven,"  that  is,  of  all  the  celestial  intelligences ;  "  and 
tilings  in  earth,"  namely,  human  creatures  who  inhabit  this 
lower  world  ;  "  and  things  under  the  earth,"  that  is,  persons 
who  have  departed  out  of  the  present  state  by  death,  and  the 
legions  of  the  spirits  of  darkness.*  All  these  are,  in  one 
sense  or  in  another,  the  subjects  of  the  once  crucified,  but  now 
ascended  Redeemer  :  for  either,  like  the  renewed  believer,  they 
adore  this  Finisher  of  their  faith  with  gratitude  and  love,  or 
they  are  compelled,  amidst  punishment  and  chains,  to  acknow- 
ledge his  supremacy  and  glory.  This  idea  the  Apostle 
again  expresses  in  other  terms  :  "  And  that  every  tongue  should 
confess  that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God  the 

*  I  have  thus,  according  to  the  view  of  several  expositors,  explained  the 
meaning  of  St.  Paul's  expressions,  "  things  in  heaven,  and  things  in  earth,  and 
things  under  the  earth  ;"  because  I  think  there  is  grandeur  in  the  idea  which 
such  an  interpretation  suggests.  It  is  more  than  probable,  however,  that  the 
Apostle  intended,  by  these  words,  to  express  simply  the  universality  of  Christ's 
dominion.  Instances  of  a  similar  kind  of  phraseology,  in  the  sense  of  all  things 
-without  cxccptiun,  are  to  bo  found  in  Rom.  viii.  38.  39  ;  and  Kev.  v.  13. 


CHAP.  If.  5—11.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  gj 

Father ;"  or,  iii  other  words,  it  shall  indeed  come  to  pass,  that 
there  will  be  no  living  person,  who  shall  not,  either  volunta- 
rily and  with  joy,  or  "by  the  power  of  this  Redeemer's  arm,  do 
homage  to  him  as  the  Sovereign  and  King,  and  the  object  of 
universal  worship. — St.  Paul  intends,  therefore,  simply  to  state 
the  doctrine,  that  the  blessed  Jesus  has  finished  his  work  of 
humiliation,  and  has  gone  upward  to  preside  as  the  Lord  and 
Governor  of  the  universe  ;  and  the  words  are  very  similar  to 
a  passage  in  the  Epistle  to  the  Ephesians,  where  it  is  said,  that 
God  hath  "  raised  him  from  the  dead,  and  set  him  at  his  own 
right  hand  in  the  heavenly  places,  far  above  all  principality, 
and  power,  and  might,  and  dominion,  and  every  name  that  is 
named,  not  only  in  this  world,  but  also  in  that  which  is  to 
come."* 

Having  thus  illustrated  the  language  of  this  description, 
permit  me  to  call  your  attention  to  one  or  two  important  re- 
flections, which  it  obviously  suggests  to  the  mind. 

And  1.  Let  the  believer,  in  this  astonishing  contrast  be- 
/  tween  the  low  estate  of  Jesus  on  earth,  and  his  present  glo- 
— -j  rious  exaltation,  discern  a  new  cause  for  adoring  and  grateful 
love. — The  ordinary  mode,  my  brethren,  in  which  the  Chris- 
tian estimates  the  extent  of  the  Redeemer's  benevolence,  when 
he  came  down  to  bleed  for  sinners,  is  to  go  back  to  his  origi- 
nal glory  as  one  with  the  Father,  and  equal  with  him  in 
essence  and  in  perfections  :  and  then  to  follow  him  to  these 
lower  scenes  as  the  babe  in  the  manger ;  as  the  despised  of 
Nazareth  ;  as  the  heir  of  infirmities  and  pains  ;  as  the  victim 
of  wicked  insult,  and  of  excruciating  death.     And  overwhelm- 

*  Eph.  i,  20.  21. 


92  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECI.  VII. 

ing,  indeed,  is  such  a  view  of  Him,  who,  while  clad  in  the 
full  radiance  of  Deity,  yet  hesitated  not  himself  to  "  bear  our 
sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree.''  The  description,  however, 
here  given  us  by  the  Apostle,  of  the  condition  of  the  Lord  Je- 
sus subsequently  to  his  atoning  sacrifice,  furnishes  the  spiritual 
mind  with  another,  and  equally  affecting  exhibition,  of  his  won- 
drous and  condescending  love.  Who  is  this  Person,  that  consents 
to  take  upon  him  human  griefs,  and  to  lay  down  his  own  pre- 
cious life  for  the  iniquities  of  the  world  ?  It  is  actually  he, 
who,  after  he  has  paid  the  penalty  of  death,  ascends  to  the 

(throne  of  universal  government ;  from  whose  sway  no  created 
thing  is  exempted;  whom  men,and  angels,  and  devils  worship,  as 
the  sovereign  and  resistless  King.     Rise,  therefore,  in  imagi- 
nation, from  the  earthly  humiliation  of  your  incarnate  Saviour, 
to  that  dazzling  height  where  he  is  now  enthroned  ;  and,  as 
you  survey  him  there,  think  within  yourselves ;  Such  a  Being 
it  was,  who  "  gave  his  back  to  the  smiters,  and  his  cheeks 
to  them  that  plucked  off  the  hair  :"*  such  an  One  is  He,  who 
exhausted  to  the  dregs  that  cup  of  indignation,  which  the 
Father  gave  him  to  drink  :  thus  mighty  in  his  own  right  was 
the  Intercessor,  who  stood  between  God  and  sinners,  and,  by 
his  agony,  and  blood,  and  shame,  averted  the  blow.     This, 
then,  is  one  of  the  practical  uses,  to  be  made  of  the  statement 
here  exhibited  to  your  view,  of  Christ's  mediatorial  exaltation. 
He  who  left  heaven  for   a  cross    of  ignominy,  is  no  less  a 
Potentate  than  the  Lord  of  all :  and,  as  he  sits  upon  his  throne 
of  glory,  hears  from  adoring  myriads  that  anthem  of  worship, 
"  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain  to  receive  power,  and 

♦  Isaiah,  1,  6. 


CHAP.  II.  5— 11.1  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIAN-S.  93 

riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honor,  and  glory,  and 
blessing  !"* 

In  conclusion  :  You  perceive,  my  hearers,  that  to  this  as- 
cended Mediator  it  is  said  that  every  creature  shall  be  subjected  ; 
and  shall  acknowledge,  either  willingly  or  by  constraint,  his 
authority  and  power.  It  appears,  then,  that,  in  this  kingdom 
which  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  governs,  there  are  two  descrip- 
tions of  subjects.  In  the  one  class  are  unbelievers — and 
worldly  men — and  the  impenitent  spirits  of  darkness ;  and 
these,  when  the  dispensation  of  grace  shall  have  terminated, 
will  be  consigned  to  a  state  where  they  shall  be  compelled  to 
submit,  and,  as  they  bow  the  knee,  shall  tremble.  In  the 
other  class  are  those  rejoicing  and  happy  persons,  who,  feeling 
the  resistless  claims  upon  their  obedience  possessed  by  this 
once  lowly,  but  now  exalted  Redeemer,  freely  yield  him  their 
hearts ;  adore,  love,  and  seive  him,  as  their  divine  Saviour  from 
the  guilt  of  sin ;  and,  conscious  that  they  are  "  not  their 
own,"  but  are  "  bought  with  a  price,"t  take  Christ  Jesus  as  the 
delight  of  their  souls,  and  their  portion  forever. — And  now, 
my  beloved  brethren,  permit  me  to  inquire,  In  which  of  these 
two  ranks  of  subjects  to  the  Prince  of  peace,  are  you,  at  this 
present  moment,  to  be  found  ?  What  is  the  spirit  in  which 
you  are  living,  in  reference  to  that  blessed  Being,  who,  when  the 
fulness  of  time  was  come,  submitted  to  the  penalty  of  trans- 
gression ;  and  then  rose  to  that  seat  of  glory,  where  he  now 
reigns  as  the  Sovereign  of  all  7  Are  you  among  those  heart- 
less and  impenitent  spirits,  who  are  in  no  other  sense  the  sub- 
jects of  Christ,  than  as  being  enemies,  who,  in  the  appointed 

*  Rev.  V.  12.  t  I.  Cor.  vi.  20. 


94  LECTURES  ON  THE  {LECT.VII. 

hour  of  retribution,  must  be  eternally  "put  under  his  feet?"* 
Are  you  passing  your  days  in  thankless  forgetfulness  of  all 
that  he  has  done,  and  all  that  he  has  suffered  ?  Are  you 
refusing  to  admit  his  just  authority  over  your  hearts  and  lives  ; 
drowning  the  remembrance  of  redeeming  love  amidst  the  va- 
nities of  the  world ;  and  proclaiming  aloud,  in  every  part  of 
your  career  of  practical  infidelity,  "  We  will  not  have  this  man 
to  reign  over  us  ?"t  Oh,  rash  and  thoughtless  spirits  !  Carry 
forward  your  reflections  to  that  day,  when  this  once  crucified, 
but  now  ascended  Jesus,  shall  appear  in  the  glory  of  the  Fa- 
ther, with  his  holy  angels,  to  execute  summary  "  vengeance 
on  them  that  know  not  God,  and  that  obey  not  the  gospel  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."!  It  is  then  that  this  exaltation  of  the 
Saviour  to  his  throne  of  power,  which  you  have  been  now 
considering,  shall  be  disclosed  in  all  its  grandeur ;  but,  at  the 
same  time,  shall  be  full  of  horror  and  bitterness  for  you. 
How  shall  you  feel  within  yourselves,  in  that  desolate  hour,  to 
be  among  those  for  whom  is  reserved,  not  the  welcoming 
smile  of  the  Redeemer  in  his  judicial  character,  but  his  frown 
of  righteous  indignation  ?  Now,  then,  in  the  season  of  grace, 
pardon,  and  mercy,  yield  up  your  hearts  to  the  Author  of  your 
redemption,  in  a  free  and  willing  obedience :  and  defer  not 
the  moment  of  submission  until  that  final  scene,  when  they 
that  have  not  voluntarily  accepted  his  love,  shall  be  con- 
strained to  acknowledge  him  amidst  "  chains  of  darkness."ll 
Sealed  upon  his  station  of  authority,  he  shall  cast  his  eye 
upon  those,  who,  while  life  and  opportunity  lasted,  refused  to 
be  his  obedient  disciples,  and  to  conform  themselves  to  his 

♦  I.  Cor.  XV.  25.        t  Luke,  xix.  14.        t  II  .Thcas,  i.  8.        II  II.  Pet.  ii.  4. 


A 


CHAP.  115-11)  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  95 

will :  and,  with  a  voice,  at  whose  terrors  they  will  call  upon 
the  rocks  to  fall  upon  them,  and  the  mountains  to  cover  them, 
he  shall  utter  forth  the  command ;  "  Those  mine  enemies, 
which  would  not  that  I  should  reign  over  them,  bring  them 
hither,  and  slay  them  before  me."* 

♦  Luke,  xix.  27. 


96  LECi'LillES  ON  THE 


LECTURE    VIII, 


CHAPTER  II.  12—16. 

Wherefore,  my  beloved,  as  ye  have  always  obeyed,  not  as  in  my 
presence  only,  but  now  much  more  in  my  absence,  work  out 
your  own  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling:  For  it  is  God 
which  worketh  in  you  both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  plea- 
sure. Do  all  things  without  murmurings  and  disputings  : 
That  ye  may  be  blameless  and  harmless,  the  sons  of  God,  with 
out  rebuke,  in  the  midst  of  a  crooked  and  perverse  nation, 
among  whom  ye  shine  as  lights  in  the  world ;  Holding  forth  the 
word  of  life  ;  that  I  may  rejoice  in  the  day  of  Christ,  that  I 
have  not  run  in  vain,  neither  laboured  in  vain. 

The  Apostle,  after  having  turned  aside  for  the  purpose  of  ex- 
hibiting our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  as  the  highest 
example  of  disinterested  benevolence,  returns,  in  the  verses  now 
to  be  considered,  to  the  pursuance  of  his  regular  series  of  prac- 
tical admonitions.  Deprived,  by  the  afflicting  hand  of  Provi- 
dence, of  the  privilege  of  beholding  these  beloved  Philippians 
in  the  flesh,  he  thought  of  them  with  intense  anxiety  ;  and, 
convinced  himself  of  the  paramount  importance  of  eternal  sal- 
vation, was  deeply  concerned  for  their  progress  in  those  fruits 


lilMWTLE  TO  THE  PIIII.IPl'IANS.  97 

of  holiness,  whose  end  is  "  everlasting  life."*  In  this  spirit  of  soli- 
citude for  their  advancement  in  the  Christian  course,  he  delivers 
the  exhortations  which  have  just  been  read  ;  and  they  address 
themselves,  with  equal  force,  to  believers  of  every  age  and 
cHme. 

The  first  of  the  apostolic  precepts  before  us,  is  one  of  a 
general  character;  and  is  thus  expressed.  "  Wherefore,  my  be- 
loved, as  ye  have  always  obeyed,"  that  is,  in  conformity  with 
the  past  example  of  holiness  which  you  have  afforded,  "  not  as 
in  my  presence  only,  but  now  much  more  in  my  absence,  work 
out  your  own  salvation  with- fear  and  trembling."  The  Apos- 
tle intends  to  convey  the  idea,  that  any  departure,  on  the  part 
of  the  Philippians,  from  the  accustomed  perseverance  of  their 
endeavors,  merely  because  his  eye  was  no  longer  upon  them, 
would  argue  a  serviledisposition ;  and  that  it  was  now  incumbent 
upon  them,  in  a  greater  degree  than  ever,  to  evince  their  sense 
of  the  importance  of  that  heavenly  walk  and  conversation, 
which  prepare  the  believer  for  the  presence  of  God.  The 
language  in  which  the  present  admonition  is  conveyed,  is 
worthy  of  close  attention.  St.  Paul  exhorts  the  disciples  of 
Christ  to  "  work  out''''  their  attainment  of  life  eternal.  The 
expression  denotes  active,  ardent,  unremitting  exertion ;  and 
implies  that,  in  a  world  so  full  of  temptations,  and  so  beset  with 
obstacles  to  the  spiritual  life,  nothing  short  of  an  engaged  and 
earnest  pursuit  of  the  one,  grand  object,  will  ensure  complete 
success.  This  same  representation  of  the  gospel  course,  as  one 
of  strenuous  devotion  to  the  work,  is  to  be  found  in  other  parts 
of  the  word  of  life.  "  Let  us  labor  therefore,"  says  the  Apostle 
to  the  Hebrews,  "  to  enter  into  that  rest."t     "  Wherefore  the 

*Rom.  vi.22.  tHeb.  iv.  11. 

13 


9y  LECTUKK!^  ON  THE  [LECT.  VIII. 

rather,  brethren,"  yays  St.  Peter,  "  give  dihgeiice  to  make  your 
calling  and  election  sure."*  It  is  with  reference  to  the  difficul- 
ties and  perils  of  the  Christian  pilgrimage,  that  St.  Paul  here 
enjoins  also  the  duty  of  continual  caution,  and  self-distrust. 
"  With  fear  and  trembling,"  are  his  words  :  as  if  he  had  said  ; 
The  believer's  life  is  a  warfare  with  the  great  enemy  of  souls, 
and  with  the  suggestions  of  a  corrupt  heart  within  ;  maintain, 
therefore,  constant  anxiety  and  circumspection  ;  and  walk  as 
one,  who  is  every  moment  apprehensive  of  a  fall.  The  admo- 
nition is  similar  to  another  of  the  same  Apostle,  which  is  thus 
expressed  ;  "  Let  us  therefore  fear,  lest  a  promise  being  left  us 
of  entering  into  his  rest,  any  of  you  should  seem  to  come  short 
of  it."t 

Now  I  may  with  confidence,  my  Christian  brethren,  venture 
to  declare,  that  the  propriety  of  this  two-fold  injunction  of  the 
inspired  author,  in  regard  to  activity  in  the  race  to  heaven,  and 
to  the  cultivation  of  a  holy  jealousy  and  dread  of  temptation, 
is  abundantly  confirmed  by  the  inward  experience  of  the  ser- 
vants of  God.  Every  view  which  the  Christian  takes  of  his 
calling,  leads  him  to  see  more  clearly  the  necessity  of  an  en- 
gaged and  strenuous  mind,  in  the  great  aim  of  personal  sancti- 
fication.  The  obstacles  with  which  he  meets  remind  him, 
that  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  to  "  suffer  violence,"  and  that 
the  violent  must  "  take  it  by  force ;"  and,  beset  as  he  is  by 
temptations  without,  and  by  a  deceitful  heart  within,  he  arrives 
at  the  conclusion,  that  it  is  only  by  giving  neither  sleep  to  the 
eyes,  nor  slumber  to  the  eye-lids,  that  his  soul  can  become  a 
temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  the  seat  of  heavenly  affections, 
tempers,  and  desires.     Still  more  plainly,  however,  does  the 

*  II.  Peter,  1.  10.  tHeb.  iv.  1. 


CHAP.  II.  13-16.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS  99 

believer  perceive  the  need  of  that  self-suspicious,  and  apprehen- 
sive spirit,  which  is  here  described  under  the  appropriate  names 
of  "  fear  and  trembhng."  Tlie  gospel  of  Christ  calls  him  to  the 
supreme  love  of  that  Saviour,  who  "  first  loved"*  him  :  but  he 
finds  himself  continually  apostatizing  to  the  service  of  a  present 
and  perishable  world.  He  is  enjoined,  as  in  the  commence- 
ment of  the  Chapter  before  us,  to  cultivate  that  spirit  of  affec- 
tionate unity  with  all  Christians,  which  overlooks  minor  shades 
of  distinction  :  but,  when  he  examines  his  own  course,  he  dis- 
covers continual  relapses  into  a  narrow  bigotry  of  feeling.  He 
is  commanded  to  put  on  a  humble  mind  :  but  he  views,  with 
grief,  that  vain  conceit  too  often  reigns  predominant.  He  is 
besought  to  clothe  hinself  with  that  disinterested  temper,  which 
is  ever  employed  upon  the  good  and  the  happiness  of  others  ; 
and  yet,  when  he  surveys  his  own  pilgrimage  through  the 
world,  he  perceives  that  selfishness  is  the  chief  ingredient  in 
his  daily  character.  The  servant  of  God  thus  learns,  in  the 
school  of  Christian  experience,  to  place  no  confidence  in  his 
power  of  resistance  ;  and,  in  the  recollection  of  his  weakness, 
sees  the  fitness  of  those  scriptural  declarations,  "  Happy  is  the 
man  ih^ifeareth  ahvai/s:^'t  "Pass  the  time  of  your  sojourning 
here  in  fearPX 

The  exhortation  thus  given  by  the  Apostle,  to  activity  and 
caution  in  the  Christian  life,  he  accompanies,  in  the  following 
verse,  with  a  declaration  full  of  encouragement.  Mark  his 
language.  "  For  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you  both  to  will 
and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure."  It  is  as  if  he  had  said  ;  While 
you  pursue  your  laborious  conflict  with  Satan  and  the  world, 
and  are  anxiously  and  diligently  aiming  at  new  accessions  of 

*  I.  John,  iv.  19.  t  Prov.  xxviii.  14.  +  I.  Pet.  i.  17. 


^QQ  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  VIll. 

holiness,  be  not  disheartened  :  there  is  One  on  high  who  is  ever 
at  hand  to  sustain  you ;  and  who,  by  the  hving  energy  of  his 
Spirit,  produces  within  the  heart  every  good  desire,  every  holy 
resolution,  and  every  varied  attainment  in  grace,  with  constant 
delight  and  readiness.  These  words  embrace  some  considera- 
tions, particularly  worthy  of  attention  ;  and  which  it  shall  be 
my  endeavor  briefly  to  unfold. 

And  let  me  call  j'^our  minds,  in  the  first  place,  to  the  im- 
porta7it  doctrine,  which  is  here  so  unequivocally  stated  by 
St.  Paul ;  namely,  that  thei^e  is  not  one  holy  thought,  inten- 
tion, or  act,  of  any  human  creature,  ivhich  does  not  pro- 
ceed from  God's  Spirit  as  the  Author. — Let  us  turn  again 
to  the  language  under  consideration.     You  are  told  that  it  is 
the  Almighty  "  which  w^orketh  in  you  to  will ;"  or,  in  other 
words,  without  Him  the  first  inclination,  or  wish,  to  become 
obedient  to  the  gospel  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  could  not 
arise  within  your  hearts.     You  are  assured,  further,  that  it  is 
the  same  blessed  Being  who  enables  you  "  to  do ;"  that  is,  the 
whole  course  of  your  Christian  life,  and  your  ability  to  bring 
those  good  desires  into  practice,  proceed  from  the  Giver  of 
every  perfect  gift. — Permit  me,  my  brethren,  to  invite  your 
closest  attention  to  a  statement,  so  calculated  to  humble  the 
pride  and  vanity  of  the  human  heart.     The  representation 
here  made  discloses  the  fact,  that  you  cannot  breathe  forth 
one  aspiration  after  what  is  excellent  and  of  good  report ;  that 
you  cannot  advance  a  single  step  in  that  path  of  obedience, 
by  which  you  evidence  the  reality  of  your  Christian  profes- 
sion, and  become  meet  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  independ- 
ently of  the  blessed  Spirit  of  grace  from  above.      In  this  utter 
helplessness  and  poverty  of  your  moral  condition,  discern  rea- 


CHAP.  II.  12-161  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIAN.S.  101 

sons  for  the   deepest  abasement;   and,  while   3'OU    perceive 
your  own  iuabiUty  to  render  an   acceptable  service,  renounce 
every  plea  of  merit  before  the  footstool  of  divine  compassion. 
And  yet  the  doctrine  here  asserted,  plain   and  positive  as  is 
the  language  in  which  it  is  conveyed,  meets  with  decided  op- 
position from  many  that  profess  to  take  Scripture  for  their 
guide  ;  but  who,  in  the  arrogance  of  their  hearts,  are  perpetu- 
ally contending  for  a  sort  of  union,  in  the  work  of  salvation, 
between  human  virtue,  and  a  divine  strength  which  comes  to 
help  out  man's  imperfections.     To  those  within  the  present 
congregation,  if  such  there  be,  who,  not  able  to  receive  the 
declaration  before  us,  are  endeavoring  to  evade   its  obvious 
meaning,  let  me  present  the  confirming  testimony  of  that  Liturgy, 
whose  petitions  they  are  every  w^eek  breathing.     What  mean 
you,  when  you  address  God  as  the  Giver,"  from  whom  all  holy 
desires,  all  good  counsels,  and  all  just  works  do  proceed?"*    In 
what  sense  do  you  utter  your  supplications  to  Him  as  the 
Being,  "  of  whose  only  gift  it  cometh,  that  his  faithful  people 
do   unto  him  true  and  laudable  service  ?"t     Terms  like  these 
speak  a  language  that  cannot  be  mistaken  ;  and  of  precisely 
the   same   import   is   the  declaration  of  our   Tenth  Article. 
"  The  condition  of  man  after  the  fall  of  Adam,  is  such,  that 
he  cannot  turn  and  prepare  himself,  by  his  own  natural  strength 
and  good  works,  to  faith,  and  calling  upon  God :  wherefore 
we  have  no  power  to  do  good  works  pleasant  and  acceptable 
to  God,  without  the  grace  of  God  by  Christ  preventing  us, 
that  we  may  have  a  good  will,  and  working  with  us,  when 
we  have  that  good  will."    And  when,  from  these  merely  hu- 
man authorities,  we  turn  to  the  pages  of  divine  revelation,  we 

*  Collect  for  Peace.        t  Collect  for  Thirteenth  Sunday  after  Trinity. 


102  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  Vllf. 

find  them  to  harmonize,  wherever  we  cast  our  eye,  with  the 
assertion  of  St.  Paul  under  review.  What  is  the  declaration 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  ?  "  No  man  can  come  to  me,  except  the 
Father  which  liath  sent  me  draw  him."*  How  speaks  he 
upon  another  occasion  ?  "  Without  me  ye  can  do  nothing."t 
What  is  the  observation  of  the  Apostle  to  the  Ephesians? 
"  We  are  his  workmanship,  created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good 
works."!  From  such  delineations  of  the  book  of  life  there  is 
no  room  for  escape :  and,  however  humbling  to  ths  proud  and 
independent  views  of  the  carnal  mind,  they  must  force  us  to 
exclaim,  in  the  honest  and  lowly  spirit  of  Bishop  Beveridge  ; 
"  Truly  if  it  hath  pleased  my  glorious  Maker  to  entrust  me 
with  any  understanding  of  his  holy  Scriptures,  this  must 
needs  be  the  purport  and  meaning  of  them."§ 

But  again :  If  the  Apostle's  language  thus  lowers  the  pre- 
tensions of  the  creature,  by  ascribing  all  the  glory  to  the  Cre- 
ator, does  it  not  also  speak  with  strong  consolation  to  the 
desponding  pilgrim  to  heaven  7 — The  believer,  sinking 
under  the  power  of  temptation,  and  trembling  at  the  future 
difficulties  of  his  way,  is  ready  to  lie  down  in  despair :  but, 
coming  to  the  Volume  of  life,  and  fixing  his  eye  upon  its  gra- 
cious promises,  he  finds  an  almighty  and  merciful  arm  inter- 
posing for  his  rescue.  There  is  a  fulness  of  comfort  in  the 
phraseology  of  St.  Paul,  to  which  I  have  not  yet  directed  your 
attention.  "  It  is  God  which  worketh  in  you  both  to  will  and 
to  do  of  his  good  pleasure  ;"  as  if  he  had  said — This  grace 
which  renews  and  sanctifies  the  heart,  and  brings  forth  within 
it  increasing  fruits  of  holiness,  it  is  his  delight  to  communi- 

♦  John,  vi.  44.  t  John,  xv.  5.  t  Eplies.  ii.  10. 

§  See  his  Exposition  of  tlie  Thirty-Nine  Articles  ;  Art.  x. 


CHAP.  II.  12—16.1  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  203 

cate ;  and  upon  every  spirit  that  asks  for  its  succors,  they 
shall    plentifully    descend.     Observe,    then,    my    Christian 
friends,  how  seasonably  the  declarations  of  God's  heavenly  word 
come  in  to  relieve  your  anxious  doubts.    In  every  conflict,  his 
aid  is  nigh  ;  in  every  period  of  your  spiritual  journey,  he  tra- 
vels by  your  side  ;  in  all  your  apprehensions  of  failure,  he 
whispers  the  animating  assurance,  "  My  grace  is  sufficient  for 
thee  :  for  my  strength  is  made  perfect  in  weakness."*     And 
in  the  same  language  of  encouragement  does  the  Apostle's 
declaration  address  itself  to  those,  who  are  as  yet  destitute  of 
that  first  great  change,  by  which  the  soul  becomes  converted 
unto  God.     Those  views  which  have  been  exhibited,  of  the 
absolute  need  of  a  divine  agency  for  every  holy  thought  and 
deed,  have  perhaps  led  some  unrenewed  spirit  to  the  reflection  ; 
If  such  be  the  exclusive  origin  of  Christian  affections,  vain  is 
every  personal  eflfort ;  and,  unless  the  blessed  Almoner  shall 
vouchsafe  to  me  the  gift,  heaven's  portals  are  barred  against 
my   entrance.       Turn   to   the    declaration   of    the   inspired 
composer.     The  same  Lord  who  is  mighty  in  strength,  is  here 
revealed  as  also  rich  in  love.     He  stands  ready  to  enlighten, 
and   sanctify,  and  save,  all  that  ask  him  in  sincerity  for  the 
boon  ;  he  has,  times  without  number,  displayed  his  mercy,  in 
those  convictions  of  the  Spirit  with  which  he  has  alarmed  and 
invited  you,  in  common  with  every  inhabitant  of  earth  ;  and 
the  character  of  his  dispensation  is  thus  briefly,  and  emphati- 
cally described,  "  It  is  your  Father's  good  pleasure  to  give  you 
the  kingdom."! 

The  second  precept  here  delivered  by  the  Apostle,  relates 
to  the  cultivation  of  a  contented  and  submissive  temper^ 
*  II.  Coi.  xii.  9.  -t  Luke,  xii.  32. 


jQ^  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  VIII. 

under  the  appointments  of  a  graciotis  Providence. — "  Do 
all  things,"  says  he,  "  without  murmurings  and  disputings  ;" 
that  is,  While  travelUng  onward  through  life,  avoid  that  fret- 
ful disposition,  which  is  ever  complaining  of  heaven's  arrange- 
ments ;  and  which,  in  looking  at  the  situation  and  privileges  of 
others,  is  prone  to  indulge  in  envious  repinings.  This  spirit 
of  dissatisfaction  with  the  allotments  of  God  Almighty,  is  re- 
ferred to  by  the  same  Apostle,  in  his  First  Epistle  to  the  Co- 
rinthians ;  where  he  says,  "  Neither  murmur  ye,  as  some  of 
them  also  murmured,  and  were  destroyed  of  the  destroyer."* 
Perhaps  there  is  no  more  striking  evidence,  my  brethren,  of  the 
wickedness  of  the  human  heart,  than  the  habit,  here  de- 
scribed, of  questioning  the  propriety  and  goodness  of  dispen- 
sations, proceeding  from  the  Fountain  of  mercy.  Such  a 
temper  was  not  uncommon  during  the  primitive  periods  of  the 
church,  in  relation  to  the  variety  of  spiritual  gifts  ;  and  pro- 
ceeded to  so  disgraceful  an  extent,  as  to  demand  the  particular 
and  urgent  remonstrances  of  St.  Paul  in  his  official  capacity. 
It  is  precisely  the  same  querulous  and  discontented  mind, 
however,  which  distinguishes  man  in  all  ages  of  the  world  ; 
and  which  is  seen  exhibiting  itself,  in  some  slight  degree, 
even  among  the  spiritual  servants  of  God.  To  be  thoroughly 
and  meekly  resigned,  in  whatever  sphere  the  wise  Disposer 
may  see  fit  to  place  him,  is  one  of  the  last  lessons  which  the 
Christian  disciple  learns.  He  admits,  and  believes  that  his 
heart  also  feels,  the  excellence  of  all  that  is  ordered  by  Him, 
who  doeth  right  in  the  armies  of  heaven,  and  among  the 
inhabitants  of  the  earth :  but  to  apply  this  truth  for  his  com- 
fort, amidst  the  darker  visitations  of  heaven ;  to  be  patient 

*  I.  Cor.  X.  10. 


CHAP.  II.  li—lC]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIIILIPPIAN!^.  105 

under  poverty  and  privation ;  to  see  others  on  the  heights  of 
hfe,  and  himself  in  the  vale,  with  cheerful  acquiescence  ; 
here  it  is  that  he  finds  his  weakness,  and  the  triumphs  of  a 
sinful  spirit  over  the  clearest  deductions  of  his  reason.  He 
goes  forth  into  the  world  :  he  perceives  the  inequality  of  privi- 
leges, that  separates  men  from  men  :  and  llie  spectacle  is  apt 
to  provoke  him  into  bitterness  ;  peevish  complaints  ;  indigna- 
tion, that,  among  the  multitudes  of  God's  creatures,  he  himself 
has  not  a  better  place,  and  higher  marks  of  distinction.  Such 
a  tendency,  though  not,  indeed,  prevalent,  is  occasionally  to 
be  found,  in  the  ranks  of  those  whom  grace  has  renewed ; 
and  it  was  for  the  benefit  of  these,  that  the  sacred  Apostle 
penned  the  admonition  before  us.  If  there  be  those,  within 
this  assembly,  who  stand  in  need  of  the  caution,  let  them 
bear  it  in  solemn  remembrance.  -'  Be  content  with  such 
things  as  ye  have."*  "  Humble  yourselves  under  the  mighty 
hand  of  God,  that  he  may  exalt  you  in  due  time."t 

This  admonition  to  a  peaceful  and  submissive  spirit,  the 
Apostle  proceeds  to  enforce  by  some  powerful  motives.  These 
occupy  the  last  two  verses  of  the  portion  before  us  ;  and  are 
highly  interesting  in  their  character. 

The  first  inducement  which  he  presents  to  the  PhiUppians, 
is  the  consideration  of  the  happy  influence  which,  by  such  a 
course,  they  would  exert  upon  the  enemies  of  truth.  Let  us 
examine  the  terms  in  which  this  idea  is  conveyed.  "  That 
ye  may  be  blameless ;"  that  is,  without  afibrding  to  wicked 
men  any  just  ground  for  censure :  "  and  harmless  ;"  in  other 
words,  not  injuring  any  man  by  asperity  of  tongue,  or  envious 
expressions  ;  and  thus  fulfilling  the  Saviour's  injunction,  to  be 

*  Heb.  xui.  5.  t  I.  Pet.  v.  6. 

14 


IQg  LECTURES  OJV  THE  [LECT.  VIII 

"  wise  as  seipents,  and  harmless  as  doves  :"*  "  the  sons  of 
God ;"  sliewing  yourselves,  namely,  by  your  mild,  amiable, 
and  acquiescing  temper,  to  be  indeed  born  of  the  Spirit,  and 
not  Christians  in  name  merely :  "  without  rebuke  ;"  that  is, 
by  your  consistent  conversation,  escaping  reproach ;  "  in  the 
midst  of  a  crooked  and  perverse  nation,  among  whom  ye 
shine  as  lights  in  the  world,  holding  forth  the  word  of  life." 
The  Philippian  converts  were  dwelling  amidst  a  people,  wan- 
dering from  the  straight  road  of  truth,  and  ignorant  of  their 
best  interests  :  and  their  situation  was  the  same  with  that  of 
believers  in  every  age  ;  whose  lot  is  cast,  wherever  they  may 
be  thrown,  amidst  scenes  of  spiritual  wickedness,  and  among 
those  who  know  not  the  way  of  life.  The  peculiar  blessing 
and  glory  of  Christians,  while  thus  living  in  a  blind  and 
unbelieving  world,  the  Apostle  describes  by  a  very  significant 
allusion.  He  compares  them  to  the  heavenly  bodies  :  declar- 
ing, that,  as  those  luminaries  of  the  sky  dispense  their  rays 
through  the  darkness  of  night,  so  they,  called  by  divine  Pro- 
vidence to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth,  are  privileged  to  instruct, 
convince,  and  lead  men  to  a  reception  of  Christ,  by  their  exhi- 
bition, in  daily  life,  of  the  efficacy  of  that  rehgion  which  they 
profess. — Behold  in  these  words,  then,  my  brethren,  the  con- 
straining motive,  by  which  you  are  invited  to  adorn  the  gos- 
pel of  Jesus,  in  the  midst  of  an  adulterous  and  perverse  gene- 
ration. The  unbelieving,  the  sceptical,  the  blasphemers  of 
truth,  perceive  your  good  conversation :  they  see  your  actions 
corresponding  with  your  principles :  the  cavils  with  which 
they  would  fain  assail  you,  are  removed  :  and,  perhaps,  by  the 
perseverance  and  regularity  of  your  deportment,  some  malig- 
nant spirits  become  persuaded  that  the  servants  of  Christ  are 

*  Matt.  X.  16. 


CHAP.  II.  12-16.)  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  JQ^ 

in  the  right,  and  that  all  else  are  in  error.  The  admonition 
before  us  is  somewhat  similar  to  another,  contained  in  the 
tenth  v'crse  of  the  preceding  Chapter  ;  where  St.  Paul  coun- 
sels the  believer  so  to  conduct  himself,  that  he  may  be  "  with- 
out offence,  till  the  day  of  Christ."  Bear  this  precept  in  mind, 
ye  that,  in  the  Saviour's  language,  "are  the  light  of  the 
world."  Be  not  Christians  in  name,  and  yet,  by  your  evil 
tempers,  by  your  selfishness,  or  by  your  frivolity,  shewing  that 
you  are  destitute  of  any  inward  grace,  to  distinguish  you  from 
others  :  and  "  let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they 
may  see  your  good  works,  and  glorify  your  Father  which  is 
in  heaven."* 

The  other  inducement  placed  by  St.  Paul,  before  the  eye  of 
the  Philippian  behevers,  is  that  of  the  joy,  which,  by  their  walk 
of  holiness,  they  would  give  him  at  the  last  and  solemn  judg- 
ment. "  That  I  may  rejoice,"  he  exclaims,  "  in  the  day  of 
Christ,  that  I  have  not  run  in  vain,  neither  labored  in  vain." 
How  beautiful  is  the  idea  here  presented  to  your  contempla- 
tion !  He  bids  them  carry  their  views  forward  to  the  hour, 
when  all  kindreds,  and  tongues,  and  people,  shall  be  arrayed 
before  the  tribunal  of  the  Redeemer :  and  asks  them  whether 
they  feel  no  affectionate  wishes,  that,  when  that  period  shall 
have  come,  he  who  had  toiled,  and  striven,  and  prayed  for 
their  salvation ;  who  had  been  instant  in  season,  and  out  of 
season ;  and  whose  life  had  been  consecrated  to  the  daily 
work  of  bringing  sinners  into  the  way  of  peace ;  may  look 
with  a  smile  upon  them,  as  the  seals  of  his  ministry,  and  the 
evidence  that  he  had  not  wasted  his  strength  for  a  shadow. — 
I  know  not  how  the  Apostle  could  have  selected  a  more  affect- 

*  Matt.  V.  16. 


108  LECTURES  ON  THE  tLECT.  VIU. 

ing  consideration,  by  which  to  awaken  the  beUeving  heart  to 
diligence,  in  the  grand  business  of  preparation  for  eternity. 
It  is  the  office  of  the  minister  of  Christ  to  preach  the  gospel 
of  the  kingdom,  to  a  hard  and  impenitent  world.  He  pipes 
to  those  that  will  not  dance,  and  mourns  to  them  that  will 
not  lament ;  and  his  cry,  at  every  day's  recurrence,  is  that  of 
the  prophet  of  old,  "  Who  hatli  believed  our  report  ?  and  to 
whom  is  the  arm  of  the  Lord  revealed  ?"*  Now,  in  the  midst 
of  these  saddening  discouragements,  there  is  one  thought 
which  pours  light  into  the  drooping  heart  of  the  herald  of  sal- 
vation. Notwithstanding  the  coldness  of  some,  the  impeni- 
tence of  others,  and  the  worldly  conversation  of  too  many 
among  the  Saviour's  professed  disciples,  he  does  discern  one 
small,  but  faithful  band  ;  and,  as  he  marks  their  separation 
from  the  world,  and  the  noble  consistency  of  their  lives,  he 
exults  as  he  anticipates  the  day,  when,  pointing  to  these  to- 
kens of  his  success,  he  shall  lift  up  his  voice,  and  exclaim, 
"  Behold,  I,  and  the  children  which  God  hath  given  me !" 
And  is  there  nothing,  my  beloved  brethren,  in  such  a  conside- 
ration, which  speaks  in  impressive  language  unto  you? 
Shall  it  not  be  yours,  through  the  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  so 
to  fashion  your  deportment  by  the  standard  of  the  gospel,  and 
so  to  endeavor  both  to  live  and  die,  that  you  may,  in  your 
own  persons,  add  to  the  number  of  those,  who  shall  thus 
awaken  a  thrill  of  rapture  within  the  bosom  of  him  that  has 
labored  for  your  good  1  Is  it  not  an  impulse  to  your  diligence, 
to  reflect  that  the  prayers  of  the  ministering  servant  of  God 
shall  thus  be  crowned  with  accomplishment ;  that  his  anx- 
ieties shall  be  repaid  with  joy ;  and   that   with  unspeakable 

*  Isaiah,  l)ii.  1. 


CHAP.  II.  12— lU.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHH.IPPIANf!.  JQg 

giatilude  he  shall  reahze  the  fact,  that  they  for  whom  he 
toiled  in  time,  are  to  share  with  him  in  the  glories  of  eternity  ? 
Keep  this  thought  ever  present  before  your  vision  ;  and 
through  your  instrumentality,  in  part,  the  promise  of  Scripture 
shall  be  realized  to  the  messenger  of  truth  ;  "  He  that  goeth 
forth  and  weepeth,  bearing  precious  seed,  shall,  doubtless, 
come  again  with  joy,  bringing  his  sheaves  with  him."* 

♦  Psalm  cxxvi.  6. 


110  LECTURES  ON  THE 


LECTURE    IX. 


CHAPTER  II.  17—23. 

Yea,  and  if  I  he  offered  upon  the  sacrifice  and  service  of  your 
faith,  I  joy,  and  rejoice  with  you  all.  For  the  same  cause  also 
do  ye  joy,  and  rejoice  with  me.  But  I  trust  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
to  send  Timotheus  shortly  unto  you,  that  I  also  may  he  of  good 
comfort,  when  I  know  your  state.  For  I  have  no  man  like- 
minded,  who  will  naturally  care  for  your  state.  For  all  seek  their 
own,  not  the  things  which  are  Jesus  Chrisfs.  But  ye  know 
the  proof  of  him,  that  as  a  son  with  the  father,  he  hath  served 
with  me  in  the  gospel.  Him  therefore  I  hope  to  send  presently, 
so  soon  as  I  shall  see  how  it  will  go  with  me. 

These  words  of  the  Apostle  are  characterized  by  the  same 
spirit,  that  so  eminently  distinguishes  him  through  the  whole 
of  this  beautiful  letter ;  a  longing  for  the  hohness,  and  final  sal- 
vation, of  those  to  whom  his  admonitions  and  encouragements 
were  addressed.  While  proceeding  with  him  through  the  suc- 
cessive topics  upon  which  he  dwells,  we  are  at  no  loss  to  dis- 
cover what  feeling  it  is,  that  is  ever  uppermost  in  his  thoughts  ; 
but  perceive  plainly,  that  it  is  with  him  a  matter  of  small  mo- 
ment whether  prosperity  or  suflTering,  life  or  death,  is  to  be  his 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  1 J  1 

own  allotment,  provided  that  they  for  whom  he  has  labored 
are  in  the  way  of  truth  and  of  safety.  Let  us  follow  him 
through  the  several  illustrations  which  he  affordsj  of  this  ab- 
sorbing zeal  for  his  Master's  kingdom,  in  the  portion  selected 
for  your  present  consideration. 

Having,  as  we  have  seen,  spoken,  in  the  sixteenth  verse,  of 
the  transport  with  which,  at  the  last  great  consummation,  he 
should  be  filled  by  the  presence  of  those  faithful  believers,  who 
had  "  endured  to  the  end,"*  the  Apostle  proceeds  to  signify 
still  further  his  anxiety  for  the  spiritual  progress  of  the  Philip- 
pians.  The  manner  in  which  he  expresses  his  regard  for  this 
one,  great  object,  is  singularly  subhme  and  striking.  "  Yea," 
he  exclaims,  "  and  if  I  be  offered  upon  the  sacrifice  and  service 
of  your  faith,  I  joy,  and  rejoice  with  you  all."  St.  Paul  in- 
tends, in  the  language  here  used,  to  declare,  that,  provided  he 
could  discern  in  their  conduct  the  marks  of  a  renewed  and 
sanctified  condition,  there  would  be  nothing  appalling  to  him 
even  in  the  prospect  of  immediate  martyrdom ;  but  that,  under 
the  comforts  of  such  a  spectacle,  he  should  be  enabled  with 
cheerfulness  to  mount  the  scaffold,  or  to  bend  his  neck  beneath 
the  sword.  Such  is  the  noble  feeling  of  the  Apostle :  let  us 
examine  a  little  more  closely  the  phraseology  in  which  he  has 
expressed  it. 

The  words  rendered  "  if  I  be  offered,"  signify  properly,  "  if  I 
be  poured  out  as  a  libation ;"  and  he  hereby  compares  his  own 
death,  in  the  cause  of  Christ's  gospel,  to  those  drink-offerings 
under  the  Levitical  dispensation,  which  were  always  added  to 
the  sacrifice.  The  same  allusion  is  adopted  in  the  Second 
Epistle  to  Timothy  ;  where  St.  Paul,  speaking  of  his  approach- 

*  Matt.  XXIV.  13. 


112  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  IX. 

iiig  decease,  says,  "  I  am  now  ready  to  be  offered,"*  or  rather, 
I  am  now  poured  out,  as  a  libation  to  the  Lord  Almighty. 
Keeping  up  the  metaphor,  the  Apostle  describes  the  spiritual 
attainments  and  graces  of  the  Philippians  as  being  the  ofl'er- 
ing,  which  he  as  a  minister  should  present  to  God  ;  and  upon 
which  he  himself  was  afterwards  to  be  poured  forth  before  the 
Lord.  "  If  I  be  oflfered,"  he  declares,  "  upon  the  sacrifice  and 
service  of  your  faith  ;"  that  is,  if  I  shall  be  slain,  after  having 
presented  your  holiness  of  life  and  character,  of  which,  under 
God,  I  have  been  the  promoter,  as  an  oblation  of  a  sweet  savor 
to  my  heavenly  Father.  This  representation  of  the  obedience, 
and  Christian  virtues  of  believers,  under  the  similitude  of  a 
sacrifice  presented  to  God,  is  of  quite  common  occurrence  in 
the  pages  of  scripture.  One  remarkable  instance  is  to  be  found 
in  the  Epistle  to  the  Romans  ;  where  St.  Paul  thus  expresses 
himself:  "  That  I  should  be  the  minister  of  Jesus  Christ  to  the 
Gentiles,  ministering  the  gospel  of  God,  that  the  offering  up  of 
the  Gentiles  might  be  acceptable,  being  sanctified  by  the  Holy 
Ghost."t  And  again,  in  another  part  of  the  same  Epistle,  he 
says,  "  I  beseech  you  therefore,  brethren,  by  the  mercies  of 
God,  that  ye  present  your  bodies  a  living  sacrifice,  holy,  ac- 
ceptable unto  God,  which  is  your  reasonable  service."!  After 
this  illustration  of  the  terms  here  used,  you  will  be  able  to  com- 
prehend clearly  the  meaning  of  the  Apostle  :  that,  even  if  it 
should  please  divine  Providence  to  cut  him  off  by  a  violent 
death,  yet,  in  the  view  of  their  progress  in  the  life  of  God,  he 
could  triumphantly  yield  up  his  breath ;  and  could  find  room, 
amidst  his  sufferings,  only  for  congratulating  them  on  their 
growing  ripeness  for  the  heavenly  country, 

*  II.  Tim.  iv.  6.        +  Rom.  xv.  16.        t  Rom.  xii.  1.  Sec  ulao  I.  Pet.  ii.  5. 


CHAP.  II.  17-23.]  EI'ISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  IJg 

My  beloved  brethren,  permit  me  to  hold  forth,  for  your  near 
inspection,  this   remarkable  example  of  Christian  love  and 
heroism.     The  great  Apostle  of  the  Gentiles,  engaged  in  the 
very  thickest  of  the  fight  for  the  gospel  of  his  Lord  and  Master, 
looks  every  moment  for  a  death  of  torture  from  the  hand  of  re- 
lentless persecution.     From  such  a  termination  of  his  career  of 
earthly  existence,  who  would  not  shrink  with  affright?     Yet 
he  could  even  exult  in  the  prospect :  and  upon  what  considera- 
tion is  it,  that  he  can  thus  rise  superior  to  all  the  influences  of 
natural  terror ;  and  wait,  with  dehght,  for  the  approaches  of  the 
last  enemy  in  his  most  appalling  guise  ?     It  is  the  thought,  that 
he  shall  leave  behind  him  these  faithful  Philippians,  steadily 
pursuing  the  race  that  was  set  before  them,  and  marching 
onward  to  their  heavenly  crown,  which  raises  his  spirit  in 
glorious  victory  over  the  creature's  fondness  for  life.     To  see 
the  honor  of  God  promoted  in  the  hohness  of  his  servants,  and 
immortal  souls  ripening  for  the  skies,  was  enough  for  him :  it 
robbed  martyrdom  itself  of  its  horrors  :  it  made  him  welcome 
with  a  smile  the  blow,  that  should  give  him  a  place  among 
that  "  noble  army"  of  confessors,  who  have  sealed  the  truth 
with  their  blood.     In  comparison  with  such  a  spirit,  how  do 
the  very  brightest  examples  of  merely  worldly  heroism  fade 
into  insignificance  !     You  have  often,  on  the  pages  of  history, 
met  with  accounts  of  distinguished  leaders,  who,  in  the  hour  of 
victory,  have  received  their  mortal  wound ;  but  who,  at  the 
sight  of  their  country's  glory  untarnished,  and  an  enemy  sub- 
dued, have  sent  forth  from  their  eye  a  beam  of  rapture,  and 
have  rejoiced  as  they  expired.     Over  the  recital  of  these  instan- 
ces of  love  of  country,  triumphing  over  death,  you  have  linger- 
ed with  admiration :  and  yet  place  them  by  the  side  of  the 


15 


114  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  IX. 

Apostle's  feeling,  as  expressed  in  the  language  before  us, — and 
where  are  they  ?  In  their  case,  it  was  devotion  to  the  honor 
of  the  land  which  gave  them  birth,  that  made  them  think 
lightly  of  the  king  of  terrors  :  in  his,  it  was  a  supreme  and 
invincible  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  as  set  forth  in  the  obedi- 
ence of  his  people.  With  them,  it  was  exultation  that  an 
earthly  foe  had  been  conquered  :  with  him,  it  was  the  transport 
of  beholding  Satan  vanquished,  sin  subdued  within  the  heart, 
and  those  for  whom  he  had  preached  and  labored  travelling  to 
their  recompense  of  reward.  The  whole  difference,  therefore, 
between  these  respective  examples,  lies  in  the  superiority  of  a 
heavenly,  above  a  merely  earthly  mind :  and,  accordingly,  his- 
tory furnishes  no  parallel  to  the  sublimity  of  St.  Paul's  sensa- 
tions, when  he  looked  from  the  spiritual  prosperity  of  his 
Philippian  brethren,  to  a  speedy  and  cruel  martyrdom.  " None 
of  these  things  move  me,"  he  seems  to  cry  ;  "  neither  count  I 
my  life  dear  unto  myself,  so  that  I  might  finish  my  course 
with  joy,  and  the  ministry  which  I  have  received  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  to  testify  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God."* 

From  this  expression  of  his  cheerfulness  in  the  prospect  of 
death,  when  coming  under  such  circumstances,  the  Apostle 
passes  to  an  admonition,  of  a  very  useful  kind,  to  the  Philip- 
pian converts.  It  relates  to  the  manner  in  which  they,  like- 
wise, ought  to  conduct  themselves,  under  the  expectation  of 
his  speedy  departure.  "  For  the  same  cause  also,"  he  says, 
"  do  ye  joy,  and  rejoice  with  me :"  meaning  hereby  to  tell 
them,  that,  in  consideration  of  that  usefulness  of  which  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  had  been  pleased  to  make  him  the  instru- 
ment, and  which  was  exemplified  in  their  own  conversion  unto 

*  Acta,  XX.  24. 


CHAP.  II.  17—23.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  J  J  5 

Godj  they  ought  not  to  repine  at  his  loss  ;  but  should  rather 
bless  the  Father  in  heaven,  that  he  had  not  removed  his  ser- 
vant before  he  had  been  enabled  to  leave  multitudes  behind 
him,  as  the  fruits  of  his  labors,  and  as  additions  to  the  number 
of  such  as  shall  be  saved. 

It  is  thus  that  he  cautions  those  to  whom  he  was  writing, 
against  inordinate  dejection  at  the  contemplation  of  his  death  ; 
and  may  not  Christians  of  every  period  of  the  world  apply  the 
exhortation  of  St.  Paul,  to  the  correction  of  a  very  common 
propensity  in  themselves  ?  It  pleases  divine  Providence,  at 
various  times,  to  remove  his  ministering  servants  to  their 
reward,  not  after  a  lengthened  career  of  labor,  but  in  the  very 
meridian  of  their  life  and  usefulness.  Now,  when  so  mourn- 
ful a  visitation  is  inflicted  upon  the  church  of  God,  it  is  allow- 
able in  believers,  as  it  was  in  the  faithful  brethren  of  Philippi, 
to  shed  some  tears  for  an  efficient  herald  of  the  gospel,  struck 
down  from  his  post  of  service.  It  is  recorded  on  the  page  of 
sacred  history,  that  "  devout  men  carried  Stephen  to  his  burial, 
and  made  great  lamentation  over  him  :"*  and  not  to  feel  grief 
at  the  loss  of  persons,  who  have  been  signal  blessings  to  their 
generation,  would  argue  a  thankless  insensibility  to  that  divine 
goodness  which  consecrated  them  to  their  work.  Tliere  is, 
however,  a  degree  to  which  this  regret  is  frequently  seen  to  be 
carried,  which  is  mingled  with  much  ingratitude  and  distrust. 
Many  who  are  present  are  able,  in  all  probability,  to  testify  from 
their  own  experience  to  the  fact  which  I  have  stated ;  and  to  say, 
that,  when  God  has  seen  fit  to  call  hence  some  distinguished 
messenger  of  truth,  either  in  our  own,  or  in  other  lands,  they 
have  immediately  broken  forth  into  unqualified  sorrow  :  they 

♦  Acts,  viii.  2. 


ilg  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  IX. 

have  entirely  overlooked  the  years  of  active  exertion, 
during  which  his  Master  spared  him  to  the  church  and  to 
mankind  :  and,  instead  of  thanking  the  Almighty  for  the  past, 
have  sighed,  with  unbelieving  spirit,  over  the  departure  of  a 
faithful  laborer  from  the  field,  where  his  efforts  were  so  deeply 
needed.  Of  such  a  mode,  then,  of  receiving  these  afflictive 
dispensations,  the  language  of  the  Apostle  speaks  in  terms  of 
implied,  and  strong  disapprobation.  He  bids  you  acknowledge, 
with  grateful  praise,  the  good  which,  through  God's  blessing, 
his  departed  ministers  have  been  permitted  to  effect :  and,  if 
your  heart  be  ready  to  despond  at  the  sight  of  the  void  which 
they  have  left,  he  would  have  you  to  know,  that  the  same 
grace  that  fitted  one  ambassador  for  his  office,  can  qualify 
another  to  occupy  the  station  from  which  he  has  been  sum- 
moned. At  the  prospect  of  St.  Paul's  removal  from  the  vine- 
j^ard,  the  believers  of  Philippi  trembled,  perhaps,  for  the  fate  of 
the  Redeemer's  church  and  religion.  But  has  not  this  kingdom 
of  the  Prince  of  peace  been  continually  advancing  from  that 
day  to  the  present  ?  "  Who  is  Paul,  and  who  is  Apollos,  but 
ministers  by  whom  ye  beheved,  even  as  the  Lord  gave  to  every 
man  ?  I  have  planted,  Apollos  watered  ;  but  God  gave 
the  increase.  So  then,  neither  is  he  that  planteth  any  thing, 
neither  he  that  watereth  ;  but  God  that  giveth  the  increase."* 
The  right  mode,  in  truth,  in  which  to  estimate  the  ministering 
servants  of  Christ,  is  to  consider  each  of  them  as  an  instrument 
selected  by  Providence,  for  the  performance  of  some  limited 
work ;  and  which,  when  the  appointed  task  is  finished,  he  can 
without  the  least  detriment  lay  aside.  All  that  the  greatest 
human  agent  can  effect,  proceeds  from  the  blessing  of  the 

*  I.  Cor.  iii.  5.  6. 7. 


CHAP.  II.  17-23.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIIILIPPIANS.  J  J^ 

almighty  Head  of  the  church  ;  and,  therefore,  when  he  is 
called  away  from  this  scene  of  labor  to  his  promised  rest,  the 
vacant  place  is  filled  by  the  same  superintending  Governor, 
from  whom  his  attainments  and  his  usefulness  were  derived. 
To  that  Sovereign  of  the  universe,  be  content  to  trust  the  des- 
tinies of  his  own  gospel ;  and,  while  you  mourn  for  piety 
and  genius  removed  from  their  sphere  of  influence,  let  it  be 
with  that  chastised  and  complacent  feeling,  which  cries,  "  The 
Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away ;  blessed  be  the  name 
of  the  Lord."* 

Having  thus  expressed  to  the  Philippians  his  own  cheerfulness 
in  the  prospect  of  death,  and  exhorted  them  to  contemplate 
with  the  same  feelings  his  possible  removal,  St.  Paul  proceeds 
to  comfort  them  with  a  pleasing  intimation.  "  But  I  trust," 
he  says,  "  in  the  Lord  Jesus  to  send  Timotheus  shortly  unto 
you,  that  I  also  may  be  of  good  comfort,"  or,  may  be  refreshed 
and  exhilarated,  "  when  I  know  your  state."  The  Apostle,  it 
seems,  though  looking  forward  to  martyrdom  as  the  probable 
termination  of  his  career,  did  not  consider  this  event  as  just  at 
hand ;  and,  accordingly,  contemplated  with  joy  the  period, 
when,  by  the  journey  of  this  faithful  messenger,  he  should 
receive  tidings  of  their  spiritual  condition.  Such  is  the 
encouraging  assurance,  conveyed  by  him  to  these  distant  breth- 
ren ;  and  he  next  informs  them,  in  brief  terms,  on  what  ac- 
count he  had  selected,  for  this  journey,  an  individual  so  neces- 
sary to  his  own  comfort,  and  to  the  exigencies  of  the  church 
in  his  immediate  vicinity.  "  For  I  have  no  man,"  he  declares, 
"  like-minded  ;"  that  is,  there  is  none  here,  with  the  exception 
of  this  person,  possessed  of  the  same  affectionate  spirit  an  'I 

*  Job,  i.  21. 


118  LECTURES  ON  THE  ILECT.IX. 

views  with  myself ;  or,  as  he  explains  his  meaning,  "  who 
will  naturally,"  that  is,  with  sincerity  and  singleness  of  heart, 
"  care  for  your  state."  Timothy,  then,  it  appears,  stood  alone, 
among  the  friends  and  laborers  by  whom  St.  Paul  was  sur- 
rounded, in  that  catholic  spirit,  which  travels  beyond  the 
bounded  circle  of  personal  aims  and  objects,  and  is  solicitous 
for  distant  portions  of  the  church  of  Jesus.  From  what  im- 
mediately follows,  it  is  evident  that  he  formed  a  perfect  contrast 
with  those  among  whom  he  was  acting.  "  For  all,"  says  the 
blessed  Apostle,  "  seek  their  own,  not  the  things  which  are 
Jesus  Christ's :"  in  other  words,  each  man  seems  to  be  bent 
upon  the  advancement  of  his  limited  and  selfish  plans  ;  and  to 
have  little  regard  for  the  general  interests  of  the  Saviour's 
kingdom. — Such  was  the  narrow  and  little  feeling,  which,  ac- 
cording to  the  description  before  us,  prevailed  in  the  Roman 
capital :  and  the  statement  here  made  affords  occasion  for  one 
or  two  practical  reflections,  which  I  shall  briefly  offer  to  your 
view. 

And  1 .  In  the  delineation  of  Timothy's  affectionate  anxiety 
for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  Philippians,  behold  the  portrait 
of  every  real  Christian. — The  feature  in  this  excellent  person's 
character  to  which  I  would  point  your  eye,  is  his  comprehen- 
sive solicitude  for  the  cause  of  Christ,  in  all  regions  where  the 
Saviour's  name  was  honored.  The  journey  from  Rome  to 
Philippi,  at  that  period,  was  attended  with  no  ordinary  incon- 
venience and  peril :  but  so  intense  was  the  interest  which  he 
took  in  the  progress  of  its  Christian  inhabitants,  that  he  over- 
looked every  obstacle ;  and  longed  to  ascertain,  by  personal 
inspection,  their  growth  in  the  faith  and  graces  of  the  gospel. 
In  this  large  and  lovely  spirit,  Timothy  was  a  follower  of  the 


CHAP.  n.  17-23.]  EPIrfTLE  TO  THE  PllILIPPIANS.  119 

great  Apostle  of  the  Gentiles,  "  even  as  he  also  was  of  Christ:"* 
and  it  may  safely  be  affirmed,  that,  if  there  be  one  distinguish- 
ing mark  of  a  soul  renewed  by  the  grace  of  Jesus,  it  is  that 
feeling  by  which  it  is  ever  awake  to  the  universal  prosperity 
of  Zion ;  seeks  and  prays  for  the  increase  of  all  parts  of  Christ- 
endom, in  the  saving  knowledge  of  Christ ;  and  is  constantly 
striving  for  the  wider  extension  of  sanctifying  truth,  into  the 
territories  of  the  Prince  of  darkness,  and  the  dismal  "habitations 
of  cruelty  ."t  In  these  desires  for  the  enlargement  of  the  Re- 
deemer's spiritual  kingdom,  the  servant  of  God  is  carried  be- 
yond that  particular  sphere,  however  important  it  may  be,  in 
which  Providence  has  cast  his  lot.  His  heart  roves  abroad 
over  the  face  of  the  earth  :  wherever  there  are  brethren  in  the 
bonds  of  the  same  covenant,  of  these  he  thinks  with  interest : 
wherever  there  are  beings,  locked  in  the  slumber  of  idolatry 
and  superstition,  them  he  wishes  to  see  visited,  like  himself, 
with  the  "  day-spring"t  of  gospel  truth,  and  the  illuminations 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God.  My  Christian  friends,  is  this  your 
expansive  mind  ?  Seek,  through  divine  grace,  to  make  it 
your  own :  for  if  any  man  profess  to  be  Christ's  servant,  and 
yet,  in  the  largest  sense  of  the  expression,  "  loveth  not  his 
brother,"§  he  is  "  none  of  his." II 

But  2.  In  how  sad  and  revolting  a  liglit  docs  the  Apostle 
represent  the  character  of  some  of  those  primitive  i)rofessors, 
who  were  numbered  among  the  real  servants  of  God  !  Let  us 
turn  again  to  the  language  of  St.  Paul.  "  For  all  seek  their 
own,  not  the  things  which  are  Jesus  Christ's."  It  is  the  pic- 
ture of  entire  and  invincible  selfishness  ;  and  the  most  melan- 
choly reflection  connected  with  it  is,  that  it  relates  to  those 

*I.  Cor.  XI.  1.    t  Pa.  Lxxiv.  20,    ^Lukc,  i.  78.    §  I.  John,  iv,  20.    II  Rom.  vm.  9. 


j20  lectures  on  the  ilect.ix. 

who  were  noL  mciely  the  disciples,  but  the  commissioned 
ministers  of  Christ,  to  a  guilty  and  miserable  world.     In- 
vested with  this  sacred  office,  so  significant  of  universal  love 
for  men,  what  is  the  course  which  they  pursue  ?     They  tra- 
vel on  their  own  private  ends  of  fame  and  aggrandizement  ; 
they  consult  their  ease  as  the  great  object;  they  have  no  feel- 
ing to  bestow  upon  a  distant  corner  of  the  church,  and  upon 
persons  dwelling  on  another  soil.     Humbling  as  is  this  repre- 
sentation, it  must  be  received  as  the  literal  and  sober  truth  ;  it  is 
recorded  by  the  finger  of  the  Holy  Spirit  himself;  and,  unhap- 
pily, it  wants  not  counterparts  in  these  latter  days  of  the  gos- 
pel dispensation.     Some  examples  are  to  be  found  in  every 
Christian  land,  of  persons  who,  in  the  course  of  their  ministe- 
rial walk,  never  travel  out  of  the  confined  and  uniform  track, 
to  which  their  avocation  has  called  them ;  who  seem  to  ima- 
gine that  they  have  no  duties  to  accomplish,  and  no  sympa- 
thies to  exercise,  save  those  which  belong  to  their  own  profes- 
sional sphere  ;  and  pass  onward  to  the  grave  in  a  sluggish 
inactivity  and  indifference,  exactly  the  opposite  of  that  un- 
bounded affection  for  a  fallen  world,  which  is  so  completely 
the  spirit  of  the  gospel.     While  over  such  examples  we  heave 
the  sigh  of  lamentation,  let  us,  the  ministers  of  the  Lord,  pray 
for  deliverance  from  their  spirit !     Let  us  seek  to  imbibe  the 
unrestricted  benevolence,  that  sent  down  Jesus  from  heaven, 
and  burned  within  the  hearts  of  Timothy  and  of  St.  Paul : 
and,  as  we  look  abroad  over  the  earth,  breathe  for  all  portions 
of  it  the  apostolic  ejaculation,  "  My  heart's  desire  and  prayer 
to  God  for  Israel  is,  that  they  might  be  saved."* 

In  the  two  concluding  verses  of  the  portion  under  review, 

*  Rom.  X.  1. 


CHAP.  ri.  17—23]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIIlLIPPlANiS.  JQ| 

the  Apostle  repeats  the  assurance  of  his  intentions  in  regard 
to  Timothy ;  and  accompanies  it  with  the  memento,  that  the 
Philippians  aheady  knew,  by  personal  observation,  the  faithful 
character  of  this  servant  of  the  Lord.  "  But  ye  know,"  he 
declares,  "  the  proof  of  him,  that  as  a  son  with  the  father,  he 
hath  served  with  me  in  the  gospel.  Him  therefore  I  hope  to 
send  presently,  so  soon  as  I  shall  see  how  it  will  go  with  me ;" 
that  is,  when  the  probable  issue  of  my  present  troubles  shall 
have  been  more  distinctly  unfolded. — These  words  of  St.  Paul 
describe  a  character  of  exceeding  loveliness.  When  the 
Apostle  planted  the  church  of  Philippi,  Timothy  was  his  fel- 
low-laborer in  the  work :  and  he  is  here  described  as  a  person, 
who  was  ready,  under  the  guidance  of  his  superior,  for  every 
exertion  and  sacrifice ;  who  willingly,  and  with  glad  mind, 
followed  St.  Paul's  directions  ;  and  spared  not  himself  in  any 
one  respect,  that  he  might  bring  sinners  within  the  holy  and 
peaceful  influences  of  the  gospel  of  Christ.  Such  was  the 
testimony  which  these  jjrimitive  disciples  could  themselves 
yield,  to  the  character  of  that  youthful  servant  of  the  Lord. 
He  was  full  of  burning  zeal :  for  the  Apostle  represents  him 
as  one,  who,  with  filial  reverence,  copied  his  own  bright  ex- 
ample in  his  daily  walk  and  ministry  ;  and  what  the  pattern 
was  that  St.  Paul  exhibited,  let  his  history  and  writings  de- 
clare. He  was  a  model  of  gentleness  and  meekness :  for  you 
are  here  informed,  that  to  the  counsels  of  his  spiritual  father 
he  bowed  with  cheerful  acquiescence ;  and,  instead  of  being 
proud,  and  conceited,  and  self-willed,  exemplified  the  spirit  of 
his  divine  Master  ;  did  not  "  strive  nor  cry  ;"*  and  put  on  the 
ornament  of  a  quiet  and  lowly  mind,  "  which  is  in  the  sight 

+■  Matt.  iii.  19. 


J  22  LECTURES  ON  THE 

of  God  of  great  price."*  Oh,  rare  and  attractive  union  of  the 
martyr's  fervor,  and  the  child's  simplicity  !  Such  heralds  of 
a  Saviour's  message,  may  the  great  Head  of  the  church 
increase  in  large  abundance !  May  we  all  aim,  with  humble 
earnestness,  after  the  same  combination  of  apparently  opposite, 
but  really  harmonious  qualities  of  character ;  and,  while  we 
are  filled  with  the  zeal  that  becometh  those,  whose  office  is  to 
bring  sinnsrs  to  God  and  heaven,  yet  exhibit  the  temper  por- 
trayed by  the  Apostle,  when  he  says,  that  "  the  servant  of  the 
Lord  must  be  gentle  unto  all  men,  patient,  in  meekness 
instructing  those  that  oppose  themselves  !"t  For  thus  abased 
a  spirit  it  is,  that  the  highest  exaltation  of  the  world  of  glory 
is  in  store ;  and  the  Master,  whom  his  ministers  here  serve 
in  the  labors  of  his  gospel,  shall  himself  pronounce  to  them 
the  salutation,  ''  Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant : 
enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord."! 

*  I.  Pet.  iii.  4.  t  II.  Tim.  li.  24.  25.  t  Matt.  xxv.  21. 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPriANS.  J^S 


LECTURE    X, 


CHAPTER  II.  24—30. 

But  I  trust  ill  the  Lord  that  I  also  myself  shall  come  shortly. 
Yet  I  supposed  it  necessary  to  send  to  you  Epaphroditus,  my 
brother,  and  companion  in  labour.,  and  fellow-soldier,  but  your 
messenger,  and  he  that  ministered  to  my  wants.  For  he 
longed  after  you  all,  and  was  full  of  heaviness,  because  that 
ye  had  heard  that  he  had  been  sick.  For  indeed  he  was  sick 
nigh  unto  death :  but  God  had  mercy  on  him ;  and  not  on  Mm 
only,  hut  on  me  also,  lest  I  should  have  sorrow  upon  sorrow. 
I  sent  him  therefore  the  more  carefully,  that,  when  ye  see  him 
again,  ye  may  rejoice,  and  thsit  I  may  be  the  less  sorrowful. 
Receive  him  therefore  in  the  Lord  with  all  gladness ;  and  hold 
such  in  reputation.  Because  for  the  work  of  Christ  he  was 
nigh  unto  death,  not  regarding  his  life,  to  supply  your  lack  of 
service  toward  me. 

The  promise  given  by  the  Apostle,  and  which  was  considered 
in  the  preceding  Lecture,  to  send  Timothy  on  a  visit  of  con- 
solation to  the  Christians  of  Philippi,  was  calculated,  in  no 
ordinary  degree,  to  animate  their  drooping  spirits.  Comfort- 
ing, however,  as  it  undoubtedly  was,  it  could  not,  from  the 
circumstances  in  which  St.  Paul  was  placed,  be  immediately 
performed  ;  for  the  impris^oned  servant  of  Christ  was  unable, 


124  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  X. 

as  yet,  to  form  any  certain  opinion,  in  regard  to  the  issue  of 
his  present  captivity.  So  long  as  this  question  remained  un- 
determined, the  stay  of  Timothy  at  Rome  was  highly  expe- 
dient :  but,  in  the  mean  time,  the  patience  of  those  faithful 
believers  might  be  in  danger  of  being  exhausted,  by  their 
prolonged  separation  from  their  spiritual  father,  and  the 
absence  of  that  substitute  whom  he  had  held  forth  to  their 
expectations.  The  plan  by  which  he  endeavored  to  soothe 
their  hearts,  is  stated  in  the  words  which  have  just  been  read  ; 
and  to  the  consideration  of  which  I  would  now,  in  dependence 
upon  the  divine  blessing,  invite  your  attention. 

In  the  commencing  verse  of  the  portion  before  us,  St.  Paul 
intimates  to  the  Philippians  a  considerable  degree  of  cer- 
tainty, that  he  should  be  permitted  by  Providence  speedily 
to  behold  theu*  faces  in  the  flesh.  "  But  I  trust,"  says  he, 
"  in  the  Lord,"  or,  through  the  merciful  interposition  of  my 
God  and  Saviour,  "  that  I  also  myself  shall  come  shortly." 
This  expectation,  however,  amounted  to  nothing  more  than  a 
reasonable  persuasion  ;  and,  even  should  it  be  realized,  it  could 
only  be  after  some  little  space  of  time  had  elapsed.  To  cheer 
them  amidst  these  depressing  circumstances,  he  adopted  a 
resolution  which  is  thus  stated,  in  his  own  affectionate  lan- 
guage. "  Yet  I  supposed  it  necessary  to  send  to  you  Epa- 
phroditus,  my  brother,  and  companion  in  labour,  and  fellow- 
soldier,  but  your  messenger,  and  he  that  ministered  to  my 
wants."  It  is  probable  that  Epaphroditus  was  one  of  the  mi- 
nisters of  the  Philippian  church  :  the  restoration,  therefore,  of 
this  laborer  to  the  beloved  flock  among  which  he  had  dwelt, 
would  infuse  no  small  delight  into  their  hearts.  Let  us  examine 
the  description  here  given  by  St.  Paul,  of  his  character  and 
merits. 


CHAP.  I[.  24—30.1  EPISTLE  TO  'HIE  PIIILIPPIANH  125 

He  calls  him  his  "  brothci  ;"  meaning  tlieieby,  that  he  was 
related  to  him,  not  only  in  the  bonds  of  the  Saviour's  gospel, 
but  by  the  additional  tie  of  their  common  office,  as  heralds  of 
divine  mercy  to  a  sinful  world.  He  styles  him,  further,  his 
"  companion  in  labour  :"  intimating  very  clearly,  that,  in  the 
discharge  of  his  sacred  functions,  he  shrunk  not  from  any  of 
those  toils  to  which  they  subjected  him ;  but,  with  a  self- 
denying  perseverance,  endeavored  earnestly  to  "  do  the  work  of 
an  evangelist,"  and  to  "  make  full  proof  of  his  ministry."* 
His  active  and  laborious  disposition  is  set  forth  again  by  the 
Apostle,  when  he  applies  to  him  the  appellation  of  his  "  fellow 
soldier ;"  referring  to  the  patient  trust,  and  faith  in  the  divine 
power,  with  which  this  minister  of  Christ  contended  against 
the  sinful  hearts  of  men,  and  waged  uncompromising  war 
with  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil.  This  mode  of  repre- 
senting the  militant  character  of  the  ministerial  office,  in 
reference  to  the  opposition  with  which  it  meets  from  the  carnal 
mind,  is  to  be  found  in  other  places  of  the  Apostle's  writings. 
Thus,  in  the  Second  Epistle  to  Timothy,  "  Thou  therefore," 
he  says,  "  endure  hardness,  as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ."t 
And,  in  the  Second  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  he  declares, 
"  The  weapons  of  our  warfare  are  not  carnal,  but  mighty 
through  God  to  the  pulling  down  of  strong  holds."!  After 
having  thus  described  the  qualifications  of  Epaphroditus  as 
an  ambassador  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  he  proceeds  to 
acknowledge,  with  that  simplicity  of  character  which  belongs 
to  the  real  Christian,  his  obligations  to  this  servant  of  God  as 
his  friend  in  the  hour  of  necessity.  "  But  your  messenger," 
he  says,  "  and  he  that  ministered  to  my  wants."     The  Phi- 

*  II.  Tim.  iv.  5.  \  11  .Tim.  ii.  3.  t  II.  Cor.  x.  4. 


120  LECTIJUES  ON  Tilt;  [LECT.  X. 

lippians,  it  appeaiv',  had  no  sooner  heard  of  tiie  imprisonment 
of  their  beloved  Apostle,  than  they  began  to  devise  measures 
for  alleviating  the  sorrows  and  privations  of  his  condition ; 
and,  having  collected  a  sum  of  money,  despatched  the  person 
here  commemorated  to  Rome,  as  the  bearer  of  their  contribu- 
tions. Thus  sent  on  an  errand  of  love,  Epaphroditus  took 
his  departure  from  Philippi ;  carried  to  the  captive  what  his 
grateful  children  had  provided ;  and,  by  every  form  of  affec- 
tionate attention,  sought  to  diminish  the  burden  of  his  suffer- 
ings. It  is  in  virtue  of  this  office,  as  the  conveyer  of  supplies 
from  the  Christians  among  whom  he  lived,  that  he  is  here 
called  their  "  messenger  :"  a  title  which  seems  to  have  been 
applied,  in  the  primitive  church,  to  those  who  were  sent  any 
where,  entrusted  with  some  special  commission.  Thus,  in 
the  Second  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians.  "Whether  any  do 
inquire  of  Titus,  he  is  my  partner  and  fellow-helper  concerning 
you :  or  our  brethren  be  iiKjuired  of,  they  are  the  messengers 
of  the  churches,  and  the  glory  of  Christ."* — From  the  por- 
trait thus  drawn  of  that  ministeriisj^-  servant  of  God,  you 
may  infer  that  he  was  possessed  of  no  common  attainments 
in  Christian  zeal,  and  Christian  love.  As  a  preacher  of  the 
gospel,  he  dehvered  his  message  boldly,  without  accommodation 
to  the  pride  and  corrupt  propensities  of  an  impenitent  world. 
As  a  disciple  of  Christ,  he  was  ready  to  every  friendly  office ; 
and,  with  kind  and  active  sympathy,  strove  to  support  the 
venerated  Apostle  under  that  aflhctive  dispensation  with 
which  he  had  been  visited.  In  these  few  points  of  character, 
therefore,  he  remains  as  an  exemplar  to  us  that  follow  ;  "  a 
burning  and  shining  light"!  in  his  day  and  generation  ;  "  full 

*  II.  Cor.  viii.  23.  +  John,  v.  35. 


CHAP.  II.  24—30.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  127 

of  mercy  and  good  fruits,  without  partiality,  and  without 
hypocrisy."* 

After  this  commendation  of  Epaphroditus,  as  an  active 
minister,  and  an  affectionate  friend,  the  Apostle  gives  an  addi- 
tional testimony,  in  the  next  verse,  to  the  excellence  of  his 
character.  His  words  relate  to  a  signal  proof,  afforded  by  this 
primitive  servant  of  God,  of  attachment  to  his  Christian 
brethren.  Attend  to  the  affecting  description.  "For  he 
longed,"  says  the  inspired  writer,  "  after  you  all,  and  was  full 
of  heaviness,  because  that  ye  had  heard  that  he  had  been 
sick."  It  appears,  from  these  words,  that  the  messenger 
of  the  Philippian  church  had  been  visited,  while  at  Rome, 
with  an  attack  of  serious  illness  :  and  so  deeply  distressed  was 
his  mind,  when  he  reflected  upon  the  anxiety  which  this  dis- 
pensation would  cause  to  his  flock  at  Philippi,  that  he  could 
not  remain  tranquil ;  and  earnestly  desired  again  to  present 
himself  among  them,  and  to  soothe  their  affectionate  appre- 
hensions. The  word  rendered  "  full  of  heaviness,"  signifies 
extreme  depression  and  misery  of  soul ;  and  is  used  by  the 
Evangelist  with  reference  to  the  anguish  of  the  blessed  Re- 
deemer, when  with  Peter,  and  James,  and  John,  in  the  garden 
of  Gethsemane.  "  He  began,"  you  are  told  by  St.  Matthew, 
"  to  be  sorrowful  and  very  heavy."t 

In  how  engaging  an  aspect,  my  brethren,  does  this  person, 
as  thus  described  by  the  recording  pen  of  the  Apostle,  stand 
before  your  view  !  You  are  here  furnished  with  a  striking  exem- 
plification of  the  extent  of  Christian  friendship  ;  and  it  may  be 
declared,  without  hazard,  that  it  is  only  the  grace  of  the  Lord  God 
Almighty  that  can  create  v/ithiu  the  heart  a  feeling,  like  that 

*  James,  111.  17.  +  Matt.  xxvi.  37. 


12g  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  X. 

which  is,  in  these  words,  so  beautifully  commemorated.     Ex- 
amine the  real  depth  of  the  attachment,  manifested  by  this 
primitive  disciple.     He  is  cast  by  Providence  upon  a  bed  of 
languishing,  while  at  a  distance  from  the  people  of  his  minis- 
try, and  from  his  brethren  in  the  covenant  of  Christ.     For- 
getting his  own  affliction,  he  travels  in  spirit  to  Macedonia  ; 
he  thinks  only  of  the  fears  and  sorrows  of  those  whom  he 
had  left  behind  ;  and,  when  he  is  restored,  desires  to  comfort 
them  with  as  intense  an  eagerness,  as  if  they  had  been  united 
to  him  by  the  ties  of  natural  relationship.     Thus  it  is  that 
believers  are  linked  to  each  other,  as  members  of  the  same 
spiritual  body,  and  travellers  to  the  same  eternal  inheritance  : 
and  there  is  no  affection  so  firm  and  strong,  as  that  which 
has  been  originally  produced  by  Christian  principle,  and  is 
cemented  by  the  same  hallowed  bond.      It  is  with  a  like 
trembling  anxiety  on  account  of  the  sorrows  of  his  brethren 
for  himself,  that  St.  Paul  also  is  seen  to  be  moved  ;  when,  in 
his  Epistle  to  the  saints  of  Ephesus,  he  thus  tenderly  ex- 
presses himself ;  "  Wherefore  I  desire  that  ye  faint  not  at  my 
tribulations   for  you,   which  is   your  glory."*     And,  in   the 
same  manner,  when  his  intended  departure  for  Jerusalem 
drew  forth  the  tears  of  his  companions  at  Cesarca,  he  could 
not  endure  the  spectacle ;  but  broke  forth  into  the  importunate 
exclamation,  "  What  mean  ye  to  weep,  and  to  break  mine 
heart  ?"t     Unrenewed  nature  furnishes  no  such  examples  of 
lively  and  sympathetic  concern,  for  the  sorrows  of  other  men. 
It  is,  indeed,  true,  that  persons  destitute  of  the  religion  of 
Christ  are  occasionally  found,  who  manifest  some  portion  of 
the  spirit  here  dci)ictcd ;  and  who,  when  thrown  into  afflictive 

*  Epli.  lii.  13.  +  Acts,  xxi.  13. 


CHAP.II.  iM— 30.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPFIANS.  jgg 

or  perilous  circumstanceSj  are  in  grief  not  for  themselves  only, 
but  for  those  with  whom  they  are  connected  by  the  ties  of 
human  friendship,  and  who  are  mourning  over  the  wretched- 
ness  of  their    condition.     But  if    you   would  know   where 
this  feeling  is  most  active,  and  tender,  and  permanent,  turn 
your  eyes  to  the  genuine  disciples  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.     There  you  will  see  love  in  its  brightest  earthly 
exhibitions  ;  losing  sight  of  self  in  solicitude  for  the  happiness 
of  others ;  and  exemplifying  the  mind  of  that  incarnate  Mas- 
ter, who,  when   he  saw  the  friends  of   Lazarus   weeping, 
"  wept"*  likewise  himself.     It  was  because  he  was  a  Chris- 
tian, that  Epaphroditus  was  thus  carried  in  imagination  to  his 
sorrowing  brethren  at  Philippi ;  and  it  is  characteristic  of  that 
blessed  household  to  which  he  belonged,  that  if  "  one  member 
suffer,  all  the  members  suffer  with  it."t 

From  this  information,  so  gratifying  to  the  Philippians,  in 
regard  to  the  lively  interest  taken  in  them  by  their  absent 
minister,  St.  Paul  proceeds  to  confirm  the  report  which  had 
reached  them,  in  regard  to  his  dangerous  sickness ;  and  ex- 
presses his  joy  at  that  valued  brother's  recovery.  "  For  in- 
deed," he  remarks,  "  he  was  sick  nigh  unto  death  :  but  God 
had  mercy  on  him  ;  and  not  on  him  only,  but  on  me  also,  lest 
I  should  have  sorrow  upon  sorrow."  In  this  description  of  the 
restoration  of  Epaphroditus,  there  are  tivo  reflections  suggested, 
to  which  I  would,  for  a  few  moments,  call  your  attention. 

And  1.  Is  there  not  something  at  first  sight  rather  singular 
in  the  observation,  that  the  Lord  Almighty,  in  raising  up  this 
excellent  laborer  from  his  bed  of  disease,  and  prolonging  his  resi- 
dence in  the  world,  performed  towards  him  an  act  of  indul- 

*  John,  xi.  35.  +  1.  Cor.  xii.  26. 


I3Q  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  X. 

gence  ?  Listen  to  the  words  before  us.  "  For  indeed  he  was 
sick  nigh  unto  death  :  but  God  had  mercy  on  him."  '  What 
means  this  ?'  you  are  all  ready  to  exclaim  :  '  for,  if  that  primitive 
minister,  by  being  then  summoned  away,  would  only  have 
ascended  from  the  field  of  battle  to  his  eternal  rest,  where  was 
the  peculiar  blessing  conferred  upon  him,  by  thus  extending 
his  period  of  earthly  existence  1  The  expression  seems  appro- 
priate only  in  the  case  of  those  unhappy  beings,  who  are 
brought  suddenly  to  the  verge  of  the  grave  while  in  the  midst 
of  their  natural  alienation  from  God  ;  and  whom  the  compas- 
sionate Father,  "  not  willing  that  any  should  perish,  but  that 
all  should  come  to  repentance,"*  spares  for  farther  opportunities 
of  faith  in  the  Friend  of  sinners.' 

Now  it  is,  indeed,  true,  my  Christian  brethren,  that,  in 
respect  of  that  everlasting  recompense  of  reward  which  awaits 
the  servants  of  God,  it  is  the  highest  act  of  divine  mercy  to 
remove  them  from  this  present  world,  to  the  abiding  enjoyments 
of  the  other.  Here,  all  is  labor  and  conflict :  there,  is  unin- 
terrupted repose.  In  this  lower  state,  sin  mingles  bitterness 
with  life's  sweetest  comforts :  in  heaven,  pleasure  is  as  unmix- 
ed in  quality,  as  it  is  endless  in  duration.  Still,  however,  there 
is  a  sense,  in  which  that  interposition  of  Providence  by  which 
a  Christian  is  saved  from  death,  and  continued  longer  upon 
these  earthly  scenes,  may  be  properly  styled  an  act  of  tenderest 
kindness  and  love.  Whoever,  in  the  present  assembly,  is  a 
renewed  follower  of  Christ,  knows  that  it  is  the  habitual  desire 
of  a  believer,  to  live  to  the  service  and  glory  of  his  crucified 
Master.  He  does  not,  indeed,  attach  the  least  merit  to  his  fee- 
ble doings,  nor  found  upon  them  the  remotest  expectation  of 

*  11.  Pet.  lii.  9. 


CHAP.  II.  24-30.1  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIIILIPPIANS.  I3I 

his  final  acceptance  :  but  he  feels  that  the  Redeemer  of  sinners 
has  laid  him  under  such  immeasurable  obligations ;  he  is  so 
tenderly  alive  to  the  necessity  of  some  answering  acknowledg- 
ment from  the  creature  ;  that  he  cannot  abide  the  thought  of 
passing  into  the  land  of  spirits,  without  having,  in  some  little 
degree,  "  shown  forth  the  praises"*  of  his  Dehverer  by  a  career 
of  useful  exertion.  This,  therefore,  being  the  prevailing  wish 
of  the  servant  of  Christ,  we  may  conceive  the  sadness  with 
which  he  finds  himself,  in  the  very  flower,  or  in  the  prime  of 
his  strength,  brought  to  the  borders  of  eternity  :  and  also  the 
light  in  which  he  will  regard  that  interference  of  the  Lord,  by 
which  he  is  permitted  to  live,  and  not,  as  was  every  moment 
expected,  "  taken  away  in  the  midst  of  his  days."t  He  will 
consider  that  the  Almighty  has  dealt  mercifully  with  him  ; 
because  he  has  vouchsafed  to  him  some  additional  space  for 
doing  good  in  his  generation,  and  thereby  promoting  the  honor 
of  the  Lord  that  bought  him.  It  is  on  this  account  that  St. 
Paul,  in  the  former  Chapter  of  this  Epistle,  looks  upon  the 
present  existence  as,  in  one  view,  a  blessing  ;  and,  in  the  pros- 
pect of  his  future  usefulness,  exclaims,  "  If  I  live  in  the  flesh, 
this  is  the  fruit  of  my  labor."!  Upon  the  same  ground,  then, 
in  the  instance  before  us,  he  describes  the  recovery  of  his  friend 
as  an  exhibition  of  divine  compassion ;  and  when  you  consider, 
that  the  person  to  whom  he  referred  was  not  merely  a  disciple, 
but  a  minister  of  Christ,  the  observations  which  I  have  made 
receive  new  force  and  value.  The  ambassador  of  heaven, 
even  with  the  privilege  of  the  longest  life,  can,  of  necessity, 
accomplish  little  towards  extending  the  boundaries  of  his 
Master's  kingdom.     What,  then,  will   not  be  his  agony  of 

+ 1.  Pet.  ii.  9.  t  Ps.  cii.  24.  *  See  Chap.  i.  22, 


132  LECTURES  ON  THE  ILECT,  X. 

spirit,  when,  in  the  morning  of  liis  glorious  and  delightful 
career,  he  is  suddenly  arrested  by  that  omnipotent  Lord,  who 
appointed  him  to  his  stewardship  ?  Submit,  indeed,  he  will ; 
but  it  will  not  be  without  exquisite  suffering  :  in  dependence 
upon  the  Giver  of  days,  he  will  pray  for  a  respite :  and,  if  a 
gracious  answer  come,  he  will  rise  to  resume  his  labors  with  a 
transport  of  gratitude  and  joy.  You  perceive,  then,  that  there 
is  truth  in  the  Apostle's  representation  :  and  that,  if  there  be 
gain  in  "  dying  to  the  Lord,"  there  is  also  unspeakable  good- 
ness in  permitting  the  Christian  to  "  live  unto  the  Lord."* 

But  there  is  a  second  interesting  truth  unfolded  in  the  verse 
under  review ;  and  it  is  this.  The  Father  in  heaven,  when 
he  sometimss  spares  the  lives  of  his  active  and  useful  servants, 
not  only  displays,  in  these  acts  of  deliverance,  kindness  to  the 
persons  themselves,  hut  also  to  those  among  whom  his  iwo- 
vidence  has  cast  their  lot. — Let  me  direct  your  eye  once  more 
to  the  language  of  the  Apostle.  You  perceive  that,  after  de- 
scribing the  compassion  manifested  to  Epaphroditus  in  his  res- 
toration, he  adds  the  following  observation :  "  And  not  on  him 
only,  but  on  rae  also,  lest  I  should  have  sorrow  upon  sorrow  ;'' 
or,  in  other  words,  the  divine  Being,  by  this  deliverance  of  his 
ministering  servant,  has  displayed  the  riches  of  his  benevolence 
to  myself;  and  has  not  added,  to  the  grief  which  I  endured  for 
the  sickness  of  that  fellow -laborer  in  the  gospel,  the  anguish  of 
mourning  for  his  departure.  The  person  whose  recovery  is 
here  so  gratefully  commemorated,  was  dear  to  the  Apostle  as 
life.  He  had  materially  alleviated,  by  his  assiduous  attentions, 
the  sorrows  of  captivity :  he  had  labored  in  the  propagation  of 
the  gospel  without  weariness,  and  without  fear  :  and  it  was, 

*  Rom,  xiv.  8. 


CHAP.  II.  34-30.1  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  1 33 

therefore,  acknowledged  by  St.  Paul  as  a  signal  favor  to  him- 
self, that  this  companion  was  not  separated  from  him  by  the 
grave  j  and  was  permitted  to  cheer  him  by  his  longer  exertions 
for  the  promotion  of  the  Saviour's  truth.  My  brethren,  it  is  in 
a  similar  manner  that  the  God  of  heaven  manifests  his  good- 
ness, in  other  instances  besides  that  which  is  here  on  record  ; 
and  let  me  ask  you,  individually,  to  bring  to  mind  your  own 
past  experience  of  this  mercy  of  the  Lord,  in  sparing  for  your 
benefit  and  happiness  the  excellent  of  the  earth.  Are  there 
not  some  present,  from  whom  God  did  not  remove  their  paren- 
tal guide,  before  they  had  Ijeen  graciously  allowed  to  profit  for 
long  years  by  his  counsels ;  to  look  up  to  him  as  the  model  of 
their  deportment ;  and  to  catch  from  his  lips  every  various  and 
salutary  lesson,  for  time  and  for  eternity  ?  Are  there  none  of 
you  who  can  say,  that  you  owe,  under  providence,  your  first 
serious  impressions  of  divine  truth,  to  some  friend  who  had  fre- 
quently pressed  the  topic  upon  unwilling  ears  ;  but  who,  in  the 
long-suffering  of  heaven,  was  not  snatched  from  your  side,  be- 
fore he  had  opened  your  hearts  to  the  utter  vanity  of  the  world, 
and  the  incomparable  "  riches  of  Christ  ?"*  Do  I  not  speak 
to  any,  who  now  look  back,  with  afiectionate  and  pensive 
remembrance,  to  the  instructions  of  some  departed  minister  of 
the  Lord ;  but  who  did  not,  in  the  mercy  of  God,  begin  to 
mourn  for  his  death,  before  they  had  acknowledged  with  trans- 
port their  own  spiritual  change,  as  one  of  the  blessed  fruits  of 
his  life  ?  My  beloved  hearers,  by  thus  carrying  your  mind 
over  heaven's  dealings  with  yourselves,  you  will,  perhaps,  be  led 
to  add  your  own  grateful  testimony  to  that  of  the  Apostle  before 
us  ;  and,  with  fervent  adoration,  to  thank  the  Lord,  who  hath 

*  Eph.  iii.  8.. 


134  LECTUREB  ON  THE  (LECT.  X. 

thus  made  "  the  times  and  the  seasons"*  subservient  to  that 
momentous  object,  "  the  salvation  of  your  souls."t 

In  the  three  concluding  verses  of  the  present  Chapter,  the 
Apostle  simply  states  the  eagerness  with  which  he  was  desi- 
rous to  restore  Epaphroditus  to  his  people  ;  and  commends  him, 
as  a  faithful  servant  of  Christ,  to  their  affection  and  esteem. 
"  I  sent  him  therefore,"  he  tells  them,  "  the  more  carefully,"  or, 
with  the  greater  haste  ;  "  that,  when  ye  see  him  again,  ye  may 
rejoice  ;  and  that  I  may  be  the  less  sorrowful,"  namely,  from 
the  reflection  that  you  are  now,  after  so  many  fears,  and  so 
long  a  separation,  enjoying  the  presence  of  your  cherished 
friend.  "  Receive  him  therefore,"  he  goes  on  to  say,  "  in  the 
Lord  with  all  gladness ;"  that  is,  give  him  a  truly  Christian 
and  cheerful  welcome :  "  and  hold  such  in  reputation  ;"  or,  in 
other  words,  yield  to  them  that  respect  and  honor  which  their 
services  so  eminently  demand.  He  then  assigns  more  par- 
ticularly the  reason,  for  which  the  regard  of  the  church  of 
Philippi  was  due  to  this  minister  of  Jesus.  "  Because  for  the 
work  of  Christ,"  he  declares,  "  he  was  nigh  unto  death,  not 
regarding  his  life,  to  supply  your  lack  of  service  toward  me  :" 
by  which  he  means  to  say,  that  it  was  owing  to  his  free,  active, 
and  untiring  devotedness  to  the  promotion  of  the  Apostle's 
comfort,  and  to  the  work  of  assisting  him  in  the  advancement 
of  the  gospel,  that  he  had  contracted  that  dangerous  sickness 
which  had  brought  him  to  the  gates  of  the  tomb.  In  these 
arduous  efforts,  he  had  performed  what  the  Philippians,  by 
their  distance  from  St,  Paul,  could  not  possibly  effect ;  and  had 
created,  thereby,  a  lasting  debt  of  obligation  and  of  gratitude, 
and  deserved  to  have  his  deeds  held  in  remembrance. 

*I.  Thes.  V.  1.  tl.  Pet.  i.9. 


CHAP.  II.  24-30.1  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS  135 

It  is  impossible,  my  brethren,  to  read  these  expressions  of 
the  Apostle,  without  being  struck  with  the  noble  features  of 
character,  which  they  display  to  your  view.  You  perceive,  on 
the  one  hand,  his  cheerful  readiness  to  bear  testimony  to  the 
services  of  Epaphroditus  to  himself.  This  excellent  person 
had  been  the  messenger  of  bounty  from  a  distant  land ;  he  had 
visited  his  spiritual  father,  now  in  bonds  for  the  gospel,  with 
the  warmth  of  a  filial  affection  ;  and,  in  obedience  to  his  in- 
structions, had  used  every  exertion  to  diffuse  the  knowledge  of 
Christ  among  the  children  of  idolatry.  With  that  magnani- 
mity, which  is  so  characteristic  of  the  real  Christian,  St.  Paul 
hastens  to  speak  of  the  obligations  under  which  he  had  been 
placed  ;  and  describes  this  herald  of  Christ  as  a  man,  whose 
beneficence  he  bore,  and  ever  should  continue  to  bear,  engra- 
ven upon  the  tablet  of  his  memory.  But  further  :  how  beau- 
tifully does  the  Apostle  exemplify,  on  the  present  occasion,  that 
disposition  which  breathes  through  every  page  of  his  inspired 
compositions,  to  exalt  in  the  esteem  of  mankind,  and  of  his 
Christian  brethren,  those  excellent  of  the  earth  with  whom  he 
was  travelling  on  the  pilgrimage  of  life  !  What  is  there  here 
of  that  petty  and  narrow  mind,  which  seeks  to  rob  contempo- 
rary merit  of  its  well-earned  fame  ;  and,  in  the  fear  least  self 
should  be  at  all  the  sufferer  in  public  estimation,  denies  what 
facts,  with  obvious  testimony,  speak  in  another's  praise  ?  St. 
Paul  had  learned,  in  the  school  of  Christ,  a  far  different  lesson  ; 
and  burned  with  a  generous  love  for  all  that  was  "  excellent, 
and  of  good  report,"  wherever,  and  in  whomsoever  it  might  be 
found.  My  brethren,  let  us  all  strive,  with  the  divine  aid,  to 
imbibe  the  spirit  of  this  great  exemplar  !  Let  us  endeavor  to 
put  away  from  us  all  that  distinguishes  nature  in  its  uncon- 


136  LECTURES  ON  THE 

verted  state ;  to  become  divested  of  "  the  old  man  with  his 
deeds  ;"*  and  to  shew  forth  before  men,  by  the  dispositions 
which  wc  manifest,  whose  we  are,  and  whom  we  serve ! 
Through  this  course  of  spiritual  conformity  to  the  image  of 
God,  we  may  look  onward  with  hope  to  our  heavenly  heritage ; 
and,  after  having  been  in  this  world  the  followers,  shall,  in  the 
next,  be  the  fellow-heirs,  "  of  them  who  through  faith  and 
patience  inherit  the  promises."! 

*  Col,  iii.  9.  t  Heb,  vi.  12, 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PUILIPPIANS.  1 37 


LECTURE    XI. 


CHAPTER  III.  1—3. 

Finally,  my  brethren,  rejoice  in  the  Lord.  To  write  the  same 
things  to  you,  to  me  indeed  is  not  grievous,  hut  for  you  it  is 
safe.  Beware  of  dogs,  beware  of  evil-workers,  beware  of  the 
concision.  For  we  are  the  circumcision,  which  worship  God 
in  the  spirit,  and  rejoice  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  have  no  conji- 
dence  in  the  flesh. 

The  Chapter  upon  which  we  now  enter  brings  us  to  a  fresh, 
and  very  important  subject,  for  the  consideration  of  the  Chris- 
tian behever.  If  there  be  any  one  feature  in  the  rehgious 
character  of  St.  Paul,  which  more  than  others  distinguishes 
him,  it  is  his  jealous  earnestness  to  erect  the  superstructure  of 
the  believer's  hopes  upon  the  only  sure  foundation ;  and,  in 
the  work  of  the  sinner's  deliverance,  to  take  the  crown  from 
every  other  head,  and  place  it  upon  that  of  the  Lord  and  Sa- 
viour, Jesus  Christ.  This  zeal  for  the  honor  of  his  Redeemer, 
created  within  him  by  the  renewing  grace  of  God,  was  called 
forth,  by  the  circumstances  of  the  primitive  church,  into  daily 
and  active  exercise.  Persons,  professing  to  be  disciples  of 
the  divine  Mediator  for  a  guilty  world,  endeavored,  neverthe- 

18 


J38  LECTURES  ON  TUB  [LECT,  XI. 

less,  to  lead  away  the  hearts  of  his  servants  to  other  sources 
of  confidence ;  and,  "  going  about  to  establish  their  own 
righteousness,  did  not  submit  themselves  unto  the  righteous- 
ness of  God."*  Who  these  perverters  of  the  doctrines  of 
grace  were,  we  shall  soon  have  occasion  to  see  :  it  will  be 
sufficient  at  present  to  remark,  that  the  Apostle  opposes  them 
with  all  his  energy  ;  and  exhibits  Jesus,  crucified  for  sin,  as 
the  only  name  "  given  among  men,  whereby  we  mvist  be 
saved."t 

In  commencing  this  part  of  his  letter  of  exhortation,  he 
gives  a  general  expression  of  his  sentiments  in  regard  to  the 
duty,  incumbent  upon  believers,  of  resting  their  hopes  of 
salvation  ivpon  Christ  alone.  There  is  a  tone  of  decision, 
and  of  earnestness  in  his  language,  which  shews  his  anxiety 
for  the  correctness  of  a  Christian's  doctrinal  views.  "  Finally, 
my  brethren,  rejoice  in  the  Lord ;"  that  is,  exult  in  Him 
exclusively,  as  the  procuring  cause  of  your  acceptance  with 
God ;  deUght  in  his  infinite  merits,  and  precious  death  ;  and, 
whatever  others  may  say,  hold  to  this  Saviour  as  the  single 
medium  appointed  by  heaven,  for  the  recovery  of  the 
Almighty's  forfeited  favor.  In  the  words  which  immediately 
follow  this  brief  admonition,  the  Apostle  hints  at  those  enemies 
of  the  fundamental  doctrine  of  the  cross,  whose  errors  were 
the  occasion  of  his  present  urgency  in  its  support.  "  To 
write  the  same  things  to  you,"  he  says, — that  is,  to  repeat 
advice  and  representations  which  I  have  frequently  before 
given,  in  the  course  of  my  personal  ministry  among  you,  or 
in  my  writings  to  other  churches,  "to  me  indeed  is  not 
grievous,  but  for  you  it  is  safe."  He  intends  merely  to  say  to 
*  Rom.  X.  3.  +  Add,  iv.  12. 


CHAP.  m.  1-3.]  EPBTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  139 

the  Philippian  converts,  that  to  insist  so  often,  and  so  strongly, 
upon  a  doctrine  of  such  vital  importance,  was  by  no  means 
irksome  to  him  ;  nay,  farther,  that  he  did  it  gladly,  from  the 
consideration  that  he  was  thereby  providing  a  seasonable  cau- 
tion, against  the  dangerous  errors  of  the  times.  The  purity 
of  the  Christian  faith  was,  at  this  period,  much  endangered, 
from  the  active  exertions  of  a  number  of  false  teachers. 
These  men,  though  professedly  converts  from  Judaism  to  the 
gospel  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  yet  endeavored  to  weaken 
the  grand  tenet  of  justification  by  faith  ;  enforced  the  neces- 
sity of  circumcision,  and  of  obedience  to  several  other  of  the 
abrogated  institutions  of  Moses ;  and  thus  substituted,  for  the 
meritorious  sacrifice  of  the  Son  of  God,  the  righteousness  of 
outward  deeds.  The  extent  to  which  these  mischievous  cor- 
ruptions prevailed,  may  be  learned  from  the  various  reproofs 
directed  against  them  by  St.  Paul,  throughout  his  several 
epistles  to  the  primitive  churches.  They  sprang  from  that 
same  spirit  which  characterizes  the  unrenewed  heart,  in  all 
ages  of  the  world  ;  the  wish  to  evade  the  humbling  doctrine 
of  the  cross  of  Christ,  and  to  claim  acceptance  upon  the 
ground  of  personal  services,  and  of  a  life  of  external  obedience. 
That  the  Apostle  should  have  been  deeply  anxious  to  oppose 
so  perilous  an  error,  cannot  be  surprising.  Himself  filled 
with  grateful  affection  for  the  divine  Author  of  his  redemption, 
he  strove  earnestly  to  preserve  all  others  in  a  faithful  and 
exclusive  devotion ;  and,  with  this  view,  wrote  to  his  brethren 
of  Philippi,  that  he  might  "  stir  up  their  pure  minds  by  way 
of  remembrance."*  In  the  admonition  before  us,  he  counsels 
ihem  to  make  the  full,  perfect,  and  sufficient  offering  of  Christ, 

♦  II.  Put.  ni.  1. 


140  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.XI. 

the  only  ground  of  their  hope  and  joy  ;  to  cast  themselves 
with  thankfulness  upon  the  free  offers  of  redeeming  love ; 
and,  instead  of  leaning  to  any  of  those  corrupt  systems  which 
the  pride  of  man  suggested,  rather  to  feel  humbled,  that, 
amidst  their  own  utter  poverty  of  desert,  divine  mercy  should 
thus  save  them  through  pure,  and  gratuitous  love,  for  perish- 
ing sinners.  To  those  believers,  therefore,  of  his  own  day,  and 
to  you  also,  my  brethren,  he  may  be  here  considered  as  say- 
ing ;  "  Being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  :"*  "  If  righteousness  come  by 
the  law,  then  Christ  is  dead  in  vain  :"t  "  God  forbid  that  I 
should  glory,  save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :"+ 
"  As  ye  have  therefore  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  so  walk 
ye  in  him  :  rooted  and  built  up  in  him,  and  stablished  in  the 
faith,  as  ye  have  been  taught,  abounding  therein  with 
thanksgiving."  II 

It  is  to  be  observed,  however,  that,  in  the  admonition  thus 
given  to  the  Philippians  to  make  salvation  by  Christ  crucified 
the  subject  of  their  rejoicing,  the  Apostle  not  merely  intends  to 
direct  them  to  the  Redeemer  as  their  only  refuge ;  but  also 
intimates  the  idea,  that  the  believer  ought  to  find  in  this  doc- 
trine, and  in  the  privileges,  consolations,  and  hopes  connected 
with  it,  a  source  of  pleasure  amidst  all  the  varying  providences 
of  this  mortal  life.  The  fact  that,  through  the  atoning  blood 
of  Jesus,  sin  is  pardoned,  and  heaven  opened  to  our  posses- 
sion, is  certainly  calculated,  with  him  who  gives  it  deliberate 
and  full  consideration,  to  lighten  the  burden  of  the  severest 
inflictions,  and  entirely  to  "  reconcile  man  to  his  lot."  And 
the  power  of  this  truth  may  be  not  only  theoretically  asserted, 

*Rom.  V.  1.  t  Gal.  ii.  21.  t  Gal.  vi.  14.  II  Col.  ii.  6.  7. 


CHAP.  III.  1—3.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  141 

but  proved  by  the  experience  of  the  saints  of  God,  in  all 
periods  of  his  church.  David,  amidst  his  trials,  could  exclaim, 
"  Thou  hast  put  gladness  in  my  heart,  more  than  in  the  time 
that  their  corn  and  their  wine  increased."*  In  the  thick  dark- 
ness of  their  prison,  Paul  and  Silas  "  sang  praises  unto  God."t 
And,  when  one  of  the  martyrs  of  England  was  led  to  the 
stake,  he  found  that  the  comfortable  sense  of  pardon  and  sal- 
vation, through  the  all-sufficiency  of  Christ,  triumphed  even 
over  pain  in  its  most  agonizing  form  ;  and  declared  that  the 
blazing  faggots  seemed  to  him  as  a  bed  of  roses. t  With  the 
same  supporting  and  cheering  power,  is  the  doctrine  of  Christ 
crucified  invested  for  each  one  of  you.  Through  all  forms  of 
worldly  trial,  it  speaks  the  language  of  peace  and  hope. 
Amidst  disappointments,  temporal  losses,  severe  bereavements, 
it  tells  of  that  blood  which  has  "  redeemed  from  all  iniquity,"^ 
and  purchased  better  things  to  come :  and  thus  effectually 
sinks  into  insignificance  present  evils,  by  the  overwhelming 
consideration  of  that  life  and  immortality,  which  Jesus  has 
brought  to  light  by  his  gospel.  Apply,  then,  to  your  own 
circumstances,  ye  that  are  the  servants  of  Christ,  his  consola- 
tions which  are  neither  few  nor  small.  Derive  from  the 
redemption  of  your  souls,  through  the  blood  of  Calvary,  an 
alleviation  for  every  species  of  sorrow ;  think  upon  its  bless- 
edness and  value ;  and,  into  whatever  calamities  thrown,  "joy 
in  God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  we  have 
now  received  the  atonement." II 

Having  thus  admonished  the  Philippians  to  hold  firmly  to 
that  doctrine  of  faith  in  Christ,  so  much  endangered  by  the 
false  teachers  of  the  day,  the   Apostle  proceeds  to  express  his 

*  Ps.  iv.  7.    t  Acts,  xvi,  25.    t  James  Bamham,    §  Tit.  ii.  14.    II  Rom.  v.  11. 


J42  LECTURES  ON  THE  LLECT.  XI. 

aversion  for  these  wicked  guides ;  and  to  implore  his  believing 
brethren  not  to  yield  to  their  devices.  The  terms  in  which  he 
describes  the  character  of  those  perverters  of  the  truth,  are 
exceedingly  strong. 

"  Beware,"  he  exclaims,  "of  dogs."  There  is  pecuUar  force 
in  the  application  of  such  a  name,  to  the  Judaizing  instructors 
who  were  then  disturbing  the  church.  It  was  usual  with  the 
Jews  to  distinguish  the  Gentiles,  by  the  opprobrious  appellation 
of  "  dogs :"  and  it  was  in  accommodation  to  this  custom,  that 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  replied  to  the  woman  of  Canaan,  "It  is 
not  meet  to  take  the  children's  bread,  and  to  cast  it  to  dogs."* 
St.  Paul  intends  to  say,  therefore,  that  the  name  which  they 
thus  contemptuously  cast  upon  others,  might  be  more  properly 
applied  to  themselves  ;  being  exactly  descriptive  of  that  greedy 
and  rapacious  disposition,  by  which  these  teachers,  for  the 
sakeof  their  own  personal  advantage,  accommodated  their  doc- 
trines to  the  corrupt  views  of  men.  That  such  was  the 
character  of  those  persons  against  whom  he  was  writing,  is 
evident,  not  only  from  a  subsequent  verse  of  the  present 
Chapter,!  but  from  descriptions  of  them  in  other  of  the  apostolic 
writings.  In  the  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  they  are  said  to  be  men 
who  "  serve  not  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  but  their  own  belly ;"+ 
and  in  the  Epistle  to  Titus,  they  are  represented  as  "  teaching 
things  which  they  ought  not,  for  filthy  lucre's  sake."§  To  such 
persons,  the  expression  here  used  by  St.  Paul  was  obviously 
appropriate.  Their  neglect  of  the  cardinal  doctrine  of  justifi- 
cation by  faith,  and  their  continual  enforcement  of  the  efficacy 
of  the  works  of  the  law,  were  in  adaptation  to  the  pride  and 
the  prejudices  of  their  hearers ;  for  fear  of  ofiending  whom,  and 

*  Matt.  XV.  2'j.        t  See  Verse  19.        t  Rom.  xvi.  18.        §  Tit.  i.  11. 


CHAP.  Ill   X-3.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  143 

thereby  interfering  with  their  own  interests,  they  preached,  not 
what  was  wholesome  truth,  but  what  was  palatable  to  the  car- 
nal mind.     Such  men  as  these  have  then*  representatives  in 
all  ages  :  but  let  us  pass  on  to  the  next  part  of  the  delineation 
before  us.     "  Beware,"  says  he,  in  reference  to  the  rfame  cor- 
rupters of  the  gospel,  "  of  evil-workers."     He  means  to  assert, 
that  these  individuals  were  active  and  laborious,  but  their  ex- 
ertions were  all  for  a  wicked  purpose  ;   and  the  sense  of  his 
words  is  precisely  expressed  by  Solomon,  when,  among  seven 
things  that  are  abominable  before  heaven,  he  mentions  "  feet 
that  be  swift  in  running  to  mischief."*     The  Judaizing  teach- 
ers of  the  Apostle's  day  were  distinguished  by  their  incessant 
pursuit  of  their  object :  for  it  is  a  melancholy  reality,  that  the 
friends  of  the  Redeemer  too  frequently  bear  no  comparison 
with  his  enemies,  in  the  steadiness  and  enthusiasm  of  their 
efforts  for  the  promotion  of  the  cause  dear  to  their  hearts.     The 
last  name  here  applied  to  these  persons,  is  one  of  a  singular 
description.     "  Beware,"  he  tells  the  Philippians,  "  of  the  con- 
cision."    The  present  is  the  only  place,  throughout  the  whole 
New  Testament,  in  which  the  word  before  us  occurs.    It  seems 
to  be  a  term  of  derision  ;  and  to  be  given  to  the  false  teachers 
in  allusion  to  another  name,  which  they,  in  common  with  the 
rest  of  the  Jews,  assumed  as  their  peculiar  title.     We  find,  from 
several  places  in  the  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  that  the  Jewish 
people  were  called  "  the  circumcision  ;"t  in  reference  to  that 
initiatory  rite,  by  which  they  entered  into  the  visible  church 
of  God.     This  distinguishing  appellation  was,  without  doubt, 
made  a  subject  of  vain  boasting  by  those  pretended  Christian 
teachers,  who  were  endeavoring  to  enforce  upon  the  reception 

*  Prov.  vi,  18,  t  Sec  Chapters  iu.  iv. 


144  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XI. 

of  believers  the  rituals  of  Moses  :  and  St.  Paul  appears,  by  thus 
changing  the  name,  to  cast  ridicule  upon  the  subject  of  their 
pride  ;  and  to  intimate,  that  those  who  advocated  a  ceremony 
which  was  now  done  away,  deserved  to  be  distinguished  by  no 
better  a  title  than  that  of  useless  mutilators  of  the  flesh. 

It  is  by  these  three  successive  terms,  that  he  expresses  his 
strong  disapprobation  of  those  perverters  of  truth,  who  were 
then  assaulting  the  faith  of  beUevers.  To  you  of  the  present 
day  the  admonition  has  no  farther  application,  than  simply  to 
put  you  upon  your  guard  against  all  exhibitions  of  the  gospel, 
in  which  the  minister  of  Christ  does  not  lead  you  at  once,  and 
exclusively,  to  the  atoning  blood  of  the  Lamb  slain  for  sinners ; 
in  which  any  encouiagement  is  offered  to  the  pride  of  your 
own  works  and  deservings  ;  and,  thereby,  the  whole  character 
of  the  religion  of  Jesus,  as  a  free  gift  to  ruined  offenders,  utterly 
destroyed.  From  representations  thus  dishonoring  to  your  di- 
vine Master,  turn  away  with  fear  and  trembling.  Saved  by 
the  righteousness  of  Christ,  and  by  that  alone,  ascribe  all  the 
glory  where  it  is  due ;  and,  to  the  exclusion  of  every  human 
pretension  and  plea,  let  your  scheme  of  faith  be  that  which 
Leighton,  in  his  quaint  but  forcible  language,  has  thus  ex- 
pressed: "  Seek  and  wait  for  thy  pardon  as  a  condemned  rebel, 
with  thy  rope  about  thy  neck."* 

The  Apostle,  after  this  description  of  those  insidious  and 
arrogant  teachers,  sets  forth,  in  distinct  contrast,  the  character 
of  real  Christians.  He  begins  with  asserting,  that,  whatever 
might  be  the  claims  of  these  wicked  leaders,  the  title  which 
they  adopted  belonged  strictly  to  the  servants  of  Jesus.  "  For 
we  are  the  circumcision,"  he  declares  ;  as  if  he  had  said :  Those 

*  See  his  Commentary  on  I.  Peter ;  at  Chap,  v,  verse  6. 


CHAP.  in.  1-3.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIA.NS.  I45 

men  whose  principles  I  am  opposing,  rest  with  Pharisaic  com- 
placency upon  a  profitless  rite  ;  the  renewed  disciples  of  Christ, 
on  the  contrary,  are  possessed  of  that  inward  and  spiritual 
character,  of  which  this  was  only  the  sign  ;  and  who,  therefore, 
most  deserve  the  name  in  question,  you  can  without  difficulty 
decide.  The  words  of  St.  Paul,  in  this  place,  are  similar  to  a 
passage  in  his  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  where  he  observes ;  "He 
is  a  Jew,  which  is  one  inwardly  ;  and  circumcision  is  that  of 
the  heart,  in  the  spirit,  and  not  in  the  letter  ;  whose  praise  is 
not  of  men,  but  of  God."*  In  what  respects  believers  were 
distinguished  from  those  formal  advocates  of  Judaism,  he  next 
proceeds  to  state;  and  his  declaration  sets  forth,  for  your  instruc- 
tion, three  important  and  interesting  marks  of  a  genuine 
disciple. 

The  first  distinguishing  feature  which  he  mentions,  is  that 
of  a  spiritual  service  to  the  Lord. — "  We  are  the  circumci- 
sion," he  says,  "  which  worship  God  in  the  spirit."  It  is  evi- 
dently the  meaning  of  the  Apostle,  that  the  renewed  servant  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  gives  up  his  heart,  and  inward  affections, 
to  the  Author  of  his  creation  and  redemption ;  in  distinction 
from  those  carnal  professors,  whose  only  idea  of  true  religion 
is  that  of  an  outward  and  ceremonial  homage.  In  this  de- 
scription of  the  character  of  God's  converted  children,  he  alludes 
indirectly  to  those  deceivers  of  his  time,  who  reduced  the  way 
of  salvation  to  a  mere  observance  of  external  forms.  In  its 
general  application,  however,  it  pronounces  condemnation  upon 
those  who  pursue  the  like  bleak  and  barren  career,  in  every 
age  of  the  world ;  and  carries  your  minds  to  that  portrait  drawn 
by  your  incarnate  Master :   "  The  hour  coinetli,  and  now  is, 

*  Eom,  u.  29. 


19 


146  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XI. 

when  the  true  worshippers  shall  worship  the  Father  in  spirit 
and  in  truth ;  for  the  Father  seeketh  such  to  worship  him."* 
Permit  me,  then,  for  a  moment  to  present  this  part  of  the  real 
Christian's  character  to  your  view,  for  the  instruction  of  those 
who,  by  a  public  profession,  name  the  name  of  Christ.  The 
believer  looks  up  to  God  as  his  providential  Governor  and 
Guide:  and  while  he  traces,  through  past  years,  all  the  gracious 
dealings  of  his  hand,  his  heart  expands ;  he  rises  on  the  wings  of 
devout  and  holy  gratitude  ;  and,  with  the  Psalmist,  his  soul 
utters  the  cry,  "  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul :  and  all  that  is 
within  me,  bless  his  holy  name  !"t  But  this  same  person,  who 
thus  acknowledges  and  feels  the  gifts  of  the  Almighty,  in  the 
daily  bounties  of  his  providence,  turns  to  him  as  the  Author 
of  still  nobler  benefits.  A  rebel,  he  finds  himself  restored  ;  an 
offender  against  the  divine  law,  he  sees  himself  pardoned  ;  and, 
in  his  own  guilty  and  ruined  person,  perceives  the  promise 
fulfilled,  "  Though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  as 
white  as  snow  :  though  they  be  red  like  crimson,  they  shall  be 
as  wool."t  At  this  spectacle  of  unmerited  mercy  to  the  chief 
of  sinners,  he  glows  with  a  flame  of  steady,  warm,  and  humble 
thankfulness.  Christ  is  presented  to  him  as  the  grand  object 
of  his  affections.  The  world  sinks  beneath  his  feet.  His 
whole  life  is  a  course  of  love  for  that  adorable  Father,  "  who 
hath  delivered  him  from  the  power  of  darkness,  and  hath 
translated  him  into  the  kingdom  of  his  dear  Son."§  ^^his,  my 
dear  brethren,  is  what  is  intended,  in  the  description  now  un- 
der review,  St.  Paul  carefully  distinguishes  between  a  religion 
of  the  heart,  and  a  mere  outward  attendance  upon  ordinances 
and  seasons ;  and  intimates,  that  he  who  is  bought  with  a 
price,  should  glorify  God  "  in  his  spirit,  which  is  God's."il 

*  Jolui,  iv.  23.    t  Ps.  ci;i.  1.    t  Isaiah,  i.  18.    §  Col.  1. 13.     II 1.  Cor.  vj.  20. 


CHAP.  III.  1—3.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PniLIPPIAN>^.  ]  47 

The  second  feature  of  character  described  by  the  Apostle, 
as  distinguishing  the  true  behever,  is  his  habit  of  ascribing 
every  things  in  the  work  of  his  salvation,  to  the  Redeemer 
of  sinners. — This  is  expressed  by  the  words,  "  rejoicing  in 
Christ  Jesus."     The  term  rendered  "  rejoice,"  signifies,  more 
properly,  to  exult,  or  boast ;  and  implies  that  a  real  Christian, 
instead  of  contemplating  any  thing  of  his  own  with  delight 
and  confidence,  triumphs  wholly  in  that  cross  of  his  divine 
Master,  which  made  a  world  of  guilty  creatures  "  accepted 
in  the  Beloved."*     There  is  one  point  of  view  in  particular, 
my  bretliren,  in  which  this  tendency  of  the  converted  mind 
may  be  profitably  exhibited  ;  and  to  which  I  would  briefly  call 
your  attention.     It  is  characteristic  of  him  who  has  been 
made  the  subject  of  renewing  grace,  that  not  only  does  he 
ascribe   to  Christ   his   redemption  from   the  punishment  of 
transgression,  but  he  ascends   with  gratitude  to  him  as  the 
Source  of  every  thought,  word,  and  deed,  in  his  daily  life, 
which  is  holy  and  acceptable  unto  God.     When  the  believer 
has  become  changed  from  the  love  of  sin  to  a  new  and  better 
mind,  he  "  brings  forth  fruits   meet  for  repentance,"t  and  cor- 
responding  with   his   spiritual   condition ;    and    upon   these 
evidences  and  results  of  his  faith,  he  has  a  right  to  look  with 
pleasure.     But  mark  attentively,  I  pray  you,  the  nature  and 
grounds  of  his  satisfaction.     Is  it  in  the  vain  desire  to  mag- 
nify self,  that  he  thus  delights  to  behold,  in  his  walk  and  con- 
versation, the  image  of  his  heavenly  Father  ?     In  surveying 
the  work,  does  he  forget  whose  hand  has  formed  it  ?     Or 
rather  may  I  not  say,  that,  in  every  part  of  his  course  of  pro- 
gressive sanctification,  he  perceives  fresh  cause  for  adoring 

*  Epli.  i,  6.  -t  Matt.  iii.  8. 


148  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XI. 

that  Spirit  of  grace,  who  has  created  him  anew,  by  his  own 
omnipotent  strength,  "  in  righteousness  and  true  hoMnesss?"* 
Whatever  is  d  efective,  he  ascribes  to  himself:  whatever  is 
excellent,  to  Christ,  and  him  alone,  he  traces  with  thankfulness 
and  praise.  Has  he  faith  ?  He  confesses  that  this  is  not  his 
own,  but  that  it  is  "  the  gift  of  God."t  Does  he  exemphfy, 
by  every  form  of  beneficence,  his  love  for  men  ?  Here,  he 
can  find  no  ground  for  rejoicing  in  personal  merit :  but  real- 
izes entirely  the  force  of  the  Apostle's  question,  "  What  hast 
thou  that  thou  didst  not  receive?  now  if  thou  didst  receive  it, 
why  dost  thou  glory,  as  if  thou  hadst  not  received  it  ?"t  In 
this  uniform  manner,  the  disciple  of  Christ  discerns  the  true 
source  of  all  that  he  is,  and  all  that  he  possesses :  and  is  a 
living  illustration  of  the  command,  "  He  that  glorieth,  let  him 
glory  in  the  Lord."§ 

But  let  me  turn  your  attention  to  the  last  mark  of  Chris- 
tian character,  held  up  to  view  by  the  Apostle :  the  believer's 
clear  conviction  of  the  inahility  of  his  natural  powers, 
to  do  works  acceptable  unto  God. — Christians  are  here 
described  as  "  having  no  confidence  in  the  flesh,"  or,  in  mere 
unrenewed  nature.  They  are  afraid  to  depend  upon  it, 
because  they  know  its  weakness  and  corruption ;  as  a  man 
hesitates  to  lean  upon  a  reed  for  a  staff,  lest  it  should  break 
beneath  his  hand. — This  feeling,  my  brethren,  ascribed  to  the 
servants  of  Christ,  in  the  emphatic  words  before  us,  however 
it  may  vary  in  different  individuals  as  to  degree,  yet  exists  in 
all  who  have  been  brought  to  an  experimental  acquaintance 
with  the  character  of  God,  and  with  the  spiritual  nature  of  his 
commandment.       Through    the  illuminating    operations   of 

*  Epb.  iv.  24.        I-  Eph.  ii,  8.        1 1.  Cor.  iv.  7.        S  I.  Cor.  i.  31. 


CHAP.  III.  1-3.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  ^49 

divine  grace,  the  Christian  discerns  the  extent  of  the  Al- 
mighty's requisitions  ;  he  perceives  that  they  comprehend  not 
merely  the  outward  service,  but  entire  hohness  of  thoughts, 
affections,  and  desires ;  and,  having  been  led  to  this  discovery, 
he  at  once  renounces  the  supposition,  that,  by  any  of  his  own 
deeds  before  heaven,  he  can  offer  up  a  pleasing  and  unobjec- 
tionable sacrifice.  It  is  in  allusion  to  this  realizing  conscious- 
ness of  human  inability,  as  made  known  by  an  insight  into 
the  divine  character,  that  St.  Paul,  in  his  Epistle  to  the  Ro- 
mans, declares ;  "  I  was  alive  without  the  law  once :  but 
when  the  commandment  came,  sin  revived,  and  I  died  :"*  in 
other  words,  before  I  perceived  the  inward  holiness  signified 
by  the  precepts  of  Jehovah,  I  fancied  myself  acceptable  and 
excellent :  but,  on  the  other  hand,  no  sooner  had  this  same 
moral  code  been  presented  to  me  in  all  its  height,  and  depth, 
and  breath  of  requirement,  than  I  confessed  my  deficiency  ; 
and  saw  that  I  was  lying  under  a  righteous  sentence  of  con- 
demnation and  death. — Such  is  the  experience  of  the  enlight- 
ened children  of  God  :  and  there  is  certainly  no  feature  of  the 
Christian  mind,  which  needs  to  be  more  repeatedly  pressed 
upon  your  notice,  and  more  frequently  urged  as  the  token  of 
a  renewed  heart.  It  is  difficult  for  those  who  have  never 
been  brought,  by  the  holy  Spirit  himself,  to  a  sense  of  their 
weakness,  to  be  made  to  understand  this  entire  renunciation 
of  merely  human  morality,  which  distinguishes  the  Lord's 
sanctified  people.  But,  for  the  very  reason  that  many  of  you 
are  not  ready  to  admit  the  doctrine,  and  are  blind  to  the  per- 
ception of  its  truth,  ought  it  to  be  held  forth  with  the  more 
uncompromising   plainness :    for,    upon    the    pervading    con- 

*  Rom.  vii.  9. 


150  LECTURES  ON  THE 

sciousness  "  that  in  you,  that  is,  in  your  flesh,  dwelleth  no 
good  thing,"*  depends  your  cordial  reception  of  the  great  Phy- 
sician of  souls ;  and,  by  necessary  consequence,  your  entrance 
into  the  eternal  glories  of  your  Father's  kingdom.  By  this 
exclusive  confidence,  therefore,  in  the  righteousness  of  your 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  and  this  utter  distrust  of 
natural  sufficiency,  walk  in  the  steps  of  your  father  Abraham. 
Live  by  faith  in  the  atoning  blood  of  the  Lamb.  Let  his 
name  be  all  your  trust,  and  all  your  plea.  Thus  simple  and 
unreserved  a  reliance  upon  the  great  Redeemer,  will  be  a 
proper  ground  for  exultation ;  and  you  may  with  reasonable 
triumph  exclaim :  "  Who  shall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge 
of  God's  elect?  It  is  God  that  justifieth.  Who  is  he  that 
condemneth  ?  It  is  Christ  that  died  ;  yea,  rather,  that  is  risen 
again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who  also 
maketh  intercession  for  us."t 

*  Rom.  vii.  18.  t  Rom .  viii.  33.  34. 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHlLlPPIANrf.  15^ 


LECTURE    XII 


CHAPTER  III.  4—9. 

Though  I  might  also  have  confidence  in  the  flesh.  If  any  other 
man  thinketh  that  he  hath  whereof  he  might  trust  in  the  flesh,  I 
more  :  Circumcised  the  eighth  day,  of  the  stock  of  Israel,  of 
the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  an  Hebrew  of  the  Hebrews;  as  touch- 
ing the  law,  a  Pharisee ;  Concerning  zeal,  persecuting  the 
church ;  touching  the  righteousness  which  is  in  the  law,  blame- 
less. But  what  things  were  gain  to  me,  those  I  counted  loss 
for  Christ.  Yea  doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things  but  loss  for 
the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord :  for 
whom  I  have  suffered  the  loss  of  all  things,  and  do  count  them 
but  dung,  that  I  may  win  Christ,  And  be  found  in  him,  not 
having  mine  own  righteousness,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that 
which  is  through  the  faith  of  Christ,  the  righteousness  which  is 
of  God  by  faith. 

These  words  follow,  in  a  very  appropriate  manner,  that  de- 
scription of  the  true  Christian's  character,  which  formed,  in 
part,  the  subject  of  your  attention  in  the  last  Lecture.  In  oppo- 
sition to  the  self-righteous  instructors  of  the  day,  the  Apostle 
had  enforced  the  necessity  of  an  inward  service,  as  distinguish- 


252  LECTURERS  ON  THE  [LECT.  XII. 

ed  from  a  religion  of  mere  form  and  ceremony  ;  and  had  set 
forth  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  received  in  the  heart  by  faith,  and 
in  exclusion  of  every  other  plea,  as  the  strong  foundation  of  the 
sinner's  hope.  In  order  to  add  force  to  these  representations, 
he  now  proceeds  to  shew,  that  it  was  not  because  of  his  own 
inability  to  point  to  works  of  righteousness  which  he  had  done, 
that  he  thus  maintained  the  inefficacy  of  human  performances ; 
for  that,  on  the  contrary,  if  such  a  ground  of  acceptance  could 
be  admitted,  he  was  ready  to  establish,  beyond  power  of  con- 
tradiction, the  superiority  of  his  individual  claims  to  the  favor 
of  God.  Let  us  see  the  manner  in  which  he  proves  this  point, 
by  reference  to  the  history  of  his  own  life  and  conduct. 

In  the  description  which  he  now  gives,  of  his  external  pri- 
vileges, and  unimpeachable  rectitude  of  life,  he  evidently  in- 
tends to  meet  an  objection  which  might  be  raised,  by  his  ene- 
mies, against  his  doctrine  of  the  inadequacy  of  man's  works  to 
procure  everlasting  salvation.  WhUe  he  was  thus  depreciating 
the  merit  of  every  other  righteousness  but  that  of  Christ,  the 
reply  would  immediately  be  made,  that  he  acted  upon  the 
same  principle  with  those  who  rail  against  advantages,  of 
which  they  happen  to  be  not  themselves  the  possessors.  Thus 
it  is  frequently  found,  that  men  to  whom  Providence  has  de- 
nied the  blessing  of  earthly  riches,  attempt,  in  an  unqualified 
manner,  to  lessen  its  real  value.  So,  likewise,  they  who  de- 
cry human  learning  and  accomplishments,  are  mostly  those 
who,  through  the  divine  appointment,  or  their  own  culpable 
neglect,  are  destitute  of  these  excellent  and  useful  gifts.  It 
holds  equally  true  with  respect  to  every  other  privilege, 
that  what  we  have  not,  we  are  prone  to  underrate ;  and  it  was, 
accordingly,  of  great  importance  that  tlie  Apostle  should  be 


CHAP.  III.  4-91  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHIUPPIANS.  J  53 

able  to  shew,  that,  if  there  were  indeed  any  meritoriousness  in 
outward  deeds  and  services,  this  he  possessed  to  the  very  fullest 
extent.  •'  Though  I  might  also,"  he  declares,  "  have  confi- 
dence in  the  flesh.  If  any  other  man  thinketh  that  he  hath 
whereof  he  might  trust  in  the  flesh,  I  more."  Thus  boldly  he 
advances  his  claims  ;  and  then  goes  on  to  prove  them  by  an 
enumeration  of  particulars. 

In  the  first  place,  he  was  an  actual  Jew ;  not  a  mere  prose- 
lyte from  the  Gentiles  :  having  been  "  circumcised  the  eighth 
day,"  instead  of  receiving  the  rite,  like  heathen  converts,  at  the 
period  of  adult  age.  He  was  "  of  the  stock  of  Israel ;"  that  is, 
deriving  his  origin  from  Abraham  in  the  line  of  Jacob ;  and 
not,  like  some  other  descendants  of  the  patriarch,  springing  from 
him  through  Ishmael,  the  son  of  Hagar.  In  addition  to  all 
this,  he  was  "  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin."  Several  circumstan- 
ces combined  to  render  this  tribe  peculiarly  honorable,  in  the 
eyes  of  the  Jewish  people.  Among  these  may  be  mentioned 
the  fact,  that,  when  the  ten  tribes  of  Israel  revolted,  this  con- 
tinued firm  in  its  allegiance,  and  true  to  the  religion  of  its 
fathers.*  Besides  this  distinction,  it  had  another  which  gave 
it  considerable  claims  to  regard  ;  being  that  tribe  in  whose  lot 
Jerusalem  was  situated,  according  to  the  original  grant  of 
Joshua  when  the  promised  land  was  divided.t  He  calls  atten- 
tion, next,  to  the  fact,  that  he  was  "  an  Hebrew  of  the 
Hebrews  ;"  meaning  by  this  expression  to  say,  that  he  counted 
among  his  ancestors  no  persons  of  foreign  race,  and  that  his 
blood  was  perfectly  unmixed  :  so  that  the  words  might,  per- 
haps, be  more  properly  rendered,  "  an  Hebrew  from  Hebrews." 
Having  thus  described  the  privileges  of  his  birth,   he  now 

*  See  I.  Kinars,  xii.  t  See  Joat).  xviii,  28. 

20 


154  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XII. 

passes  on  to  circumstances  whicli,  being  the  result  of  his  own 
choice,  were  still  more  deserving  of  commendation.  "As 
touching  the  law,"  he  was  "  a  Pharisee."  Of  the  two  promi- 
nent Jewish  sects,  he  had  embraced  that  which  was  held  in 
greatest  estimation,  and  which  drew  after  it  the  largest  propor- 
tion of  the  people.  To  this  distinction  the  Apostle  alludes,  in 
his  defence  of  himself  before  Agrippa.  "  My  manner  of  life 
from  my  youth,  which  was  at  the  first  among  mine  own  nation 
at  Jerusalem,  know  all  the  Jews ;  which  knew  me  from  the 
beginning,  if  they  would  testify,  that  after  the  most  straitest 
sect  of  our  religion,  I  lived  a  Pharisee."*  In  connexion,  how- 
ever, with  the  strong  devotion  to  the  traditions  of  the  elders,  so 
characteristic  of  the  members  of  that  body,  he  could  boast  of 
another  ground  for  exultation.  "  Concerning  zeal,"  he  saysj 
"  persecuting  the  church."  If  it  was  any  reason  for  obtaining 
the  favor  of  God,  that  a  man  had  been  notorious  for  his  rage 
against  the  enemies  of  the  Mosaic  ritual,  then  he  had,  more 
completely  than  all  others,  established  his  justification.  The 
manner  in  which  Saul  of  Tarsus  ravaged  the  church  of  Christ, 
is  recorded,  in  clearest  language,  upon  the  page  of  sacred  his- 
tory. He  is  described,  in  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  as  "consenting 
unto"  the  death  of  Stephen;!  as  "making  havoc  of  the  church  ;"t 
as  "  breathing  out  threatenings  and  slaughter  against  the  dis- 
ciples of  the  Lord  :"§  and,  from  what  is  there  related,  it  is  evident 
that  nothing  could  exceed  his  ardent  endeavors,  for  the  main- 
tenance of  the  faith  and  worship  of  his  fathers.  He  concludes 
his  summary  by  stating  with  confidence,  that,  so  far  as  an 
outward  conformity,  of  the  most  rigid  character,  to  the  letter  of 
the  divine  commandment,  could  give  him  a  title  to  acceptance, 

*  Acts,  xxvi.  4.  5.        t  Acts,  viii.  1.        t  Acts,  viii.  3.       §  Acts,  ix.  1. 


CHAP.  III.  4—9.1  EPISTLt;  TO  TtlE  FHU.IPPIAN.S.  J  55 

he  possessed  an  indisputable  claim.  "Touching  the  righ- 
teousness which  is  in  the  law,  blameless  :"  being  without  spot 
or  blemish  ;  having  fulfilled  the  very  least  requirement ;  and, 
by  nothing  that  he  had  done,  and  nothing  that  he  had  omitted, 
liable  to  the  just  reproaches  of  his  fellow-men. — It  is  thus  tri- 
umphantly that  St.  Paul  demonstrates  the  fact,  that  if  right- 
eousness came  by  the  deeds  of  the  flesh,  then  he  was  entirely 
sure  of  salvation  ;  and  that,  therefore,  it  was  from  any  other 
cause  rather  than  his  own  poverty  of  outward  fruits,  that  he 
had  been  exposing  the  worthlessness  of  all  human  deeds,  and 
the  eflicacy  of  Christ  alone.  He  could  fearlessly  look  his  op- 
posers  in  the  face ;  and  say  to  them,  in  the  same  words  which 
he  employed  upon  another  occasion,  "  I  speak  as  concerning 
reproach,  as  though  we  had  been  weak.  Howbeit,  whereinso- 
ever any  is  bold,  I  am  bold  also."* 

Befoie  proceeding  to  consider  the  estimate  formed  by  the 
great  Apostle,  of  these  various  works  of  external  obedience,  as 
he  himself  has  stated  it  in  the  veise  that  follows,  permit  me, 
my  brethren,  to  draw  a  passing  inference  from  the  enumera- 
tion just  offered  to  your  view.  You  perceive  St.  Paul,  for  the 
purpose  of  answering  the  sneers  of  his  opponents,  recounting, 
in  successive  order,  the  deeds  of  his  correct  and  moral  life. 
You  perceive  also,  that  this  description,  rich  and  abundant  in 
performances  as  it  is,  comes  immediately  after  a  declaration  of 
the  insufficiency  of  every  plea  of  human  righteousness,  to  merit 
life  everlasting.  Let  me  be  allowed,  then,  simply  to  hold  up 
the  catalogue  of  excellencies  here  furnished,  and  to  say  to  every 
individual  within  these  walls ;  If  such  a  man  could  find  no- 
thing in  his  walk  and  conduct,  deserving  of  a  recompense  from 
*  II.  Cor,  xi,  21. 


1 56  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XII. 

the  Lord  Almighty,  how  shall  any  of  you,  with  better  reason, 
pretend  to  claim  the  favor  of  God  upon  the  ground  of  blame- 
less rectitude  of  life?  Had  St.  Paul,  after  having  declared  the 
inefficacy  of  the  works  of  the  flesh,  presented  us  with  a  meagre 
summary  of  actions  in  his  own  past  career,  you  might,  with 
some  color  of  justice,  have  plumed  yourselves  upon  your  own 
superior  worth :  but,  as  the  facts  stand,  every  refuge  of  self- 
righteousness  is  withdrawn,  and  you  must  all  perceive  your 
guilt  and  poverty  before  God.  The  Apostle  had  been  sub- 
jected to  the  enjoined  rite  of  circumcision :  what  is  there  more 
meritorious  in  the  regularity  of  your  Christian  baptism?  He 
was  born  of  believing  parents  :  can  you  find  any  thing  better 
in  your  own  distinction,  as  children  of  those  that  have  trained 
you,  from  earliest  years,  "  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord?"*  But  let  us  grant  that,  in  these  respects,  you  are 
superior  to  the  great  Apostle  of  the  Gentiles  :  yet  what  can  you 
advance  in  regard  to  your  moral  obedience,  which  shall  evince 
your  stronger  title  to  the  favor  of  heaven  ?  Do  you  pay  a 
more  complete  regard  than  he  exhibited,  to  every  precept  of  the 
decalogue  ?  Is  your  course  through  the  world  more  unexcep- 
tionable, in  one  single  respect,  than  that  which  he  pursued 
during  his  unregenerate  days?  Can  you  pretend  to  any 
thing,  in  the  way  of  outward  service,  that  can  place  you  above 
the  scrupulous  Pharisee ;  full  as  he  was  of  justice  and  virtue, 
and  walking,  as  he  did,  "  in  all  the  commandments  and  ordi- 
nances of  the  Lord  blameless  ?"t  Such  a  claim,  my  brethren, 
the  best  among  you  in  morality  of  life  cannot  venture  to  assert : 
and,  indeed,  the  real  truth  is,  that  the  greater  portion  of  those 
who  rest  with  confidence  upon  their  personal  rectitude,  are  far 

*  Eph.  vi.  4.  t  Luke,  i.  f?. 


CHAP.  III.  4-9.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  157 

inferior  to  the  Apostle  in  the  very  deeds,  which  they,  with  so 
much  complacency,  contemplate.  You  are  driven,  then,  by 
the  representation  before  us,  to  the  plain  conclusion,  that  where 
St.  Paul  failed,  you  cannot  expect  to  succeed.  You  cannot 
but  feel  your  inability  to  claim  acceptance,  on  the  ground  of 
your  own  doings,  in  the  sight  of  Him  who  is  the  Judge  of  men  ; 
and,  in  the  language  of  the  prophet,  must  cry,  "  We  are  all  as 
an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our  righteousnesses  are  as  filthy 
rags."* 

Let  us  now  attend  to  the  language  in  which  St.  Paul,  after 
this  statement  of  his  spotless  integrity  of  life,  sets  forth  his  opi- 
nion of  its  real  value.  "  But  what  things  were  gain  to  me," 
he  declares,  "  those  I  counted  loss  for  Christ ;"  or,  in  other 
words.  There  was  a  time,  when  I  considered  these  outward 
deeds  as  being  highly  profitable  and  advantageous  ;  and  as  the 
means  of  purchasing  an  entrance  into  that  future  kingdom, 
prepared  for  the  people  of  God.  I  now  view  them,  however, 
with  far  different  eyes ;  and  they  appear  entirely  destitute  of 
worth,  when  placed  by  the  side  of  an  interest,  through  faith,  in 
the  proffered  righteousness  and  merits  of  my  crucified  Re- 
deemer.— Mark  the  discovery,  then,  my  brethren,  to  which  the 
Apostle  was  led  by  the  converting  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
of  truth.  All  this  course  of  rectitude,  from  his  earliest  youth, 
he  had  uniformly  been  accustomed  to  regard  as  so  much  placed 
to  his  account.,  in  the  book  of  divine  remembrance.  Upon 
this  imagination  of  his  vain  and  darkened  understanding,  he 
had  dwelt  with  satisfaction  :  but  no  sooner  had  the  light  of 
grace  burst  in  upon  his  soul,  than  it  dissipated  the  fond  delu- 
sion ;  he  perceived  things  in  their  true  character  ;  the  former 

♦  Isaiah,  Ixiv.  G. 


158  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XII. 

sources  of  his  confidence  he  entirely  renounced  ;  and  the  per- 
formances in  which  he  had  most  exulted,  he  found  to  be  "  less 
than  nothing,  and  vanity."*  The  statement  thus  made  by 
him,  on  the  present  occasion,  of  the  difference  between  his 
views  before  his  conversion,  and  those  which  he  afterwards 
entertained,  is  important ;  because  it  sets  forth  the  characteris- 
tic distinction  between  spiritual  disciples  of  Christ,  and  the 
proud  and  carnal  professor.  The  merely  moral  man  sees 
meritoriousness  and  "  gain,"  in  the  external  purity  of  his  hfe  : 
the  believer  counts  it  as  dross,  because,  amidst  all,  the  affections 
are  estranged  from  God,  and  fastened  upon  the  world.  The 
Pharisaical  liver  congratulates  himself  upon  something  gained, 
by  his  acts  of  daily  benevolence  :  the  renewed  servant  of  Jesus 
Christ  sees  nothing  here  deserving  of  heaven,  because  these 
performances  have  been  stained  by  mixed,  impure,  and  worldly 
motives.  The  unconverted  soul  looks  for  its  coming  reward, 
on  the  ground  of  the  good  things  it  has  done,  and  of  the  evil 
from  which  it  has  abstained  :  the  real  Christian  examines 
every  thing  in  the  light  of  God's  perfect  law ;  and  the  conclu- 
sion at  which  he  arrives  is  immediate,  and  certain,  "  Not  by 
works  of  righteousness  which  we  have  done,  but  according  to 
his  mercy  he  saved  us  ;  that  being  justified  by  his  grace,  we 
should  be  made  heirs  according  to  the  hope  of  eternal  life."t 

In  the  verses  that  remain  for  consideration,  the  Apostle 
leads  the  attention  of  his  Phihppian  brethren  to  two  important 
declarations.  They  illustrate  so  powerfully  the  character  and 
feelings  of  the  true  Christian,  as  to  deserve  being  held 
forth  as  the  particular  objects  of  your  contemplation  and 
remembrance. 

*  Isaiah,  xl.  17.  t  Tit.  iii.  5. 7. 


CHAP.  lU.  4—0.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIAN;^.  159 

The  first  observation  which  he  makes,  states  his  opinion  of 
the  insignificance  of  every  earthly  pursuit  and  pleasure^ 
when  compared  with  a  personal  interest  in  that  great  sal- 
vation, which  the  cross  of  the  Redeemer  has  purchased. 
"  Yea  doubtless,"  he  declares,  immediately  after  the  remark 
contained  in  the  preceding  verse,  "  and  I  count  all  things  but 
loss,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  my 
Lord."  By  the  "knowledge  of  Christ,"  of  which  he  here  speaks, 
he  means  that  inward  and  experimental  acquaintance  with 
the  Lord  Jesus,  as  his  Deliverer  from  the  wrath  of  God,  which 
is  possessed  by  every  true  believer  ;  a  realizing  sense  of  the 
value  and  preciousness  of  the  Saviour's  atonement,  and  of  his 
own  interest  in  its  promises  of  mercy.  It  is  in  the  same  sense  that 
the  term  is  used,  in  several  other  parts  of  the  New  Testament. 
"  This  is  life  eternal,"  says  the  Redeemer,  "  that  they  might 
know  thee  the  only  true  God,  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou  hast 
sent."*  "  Till  we  all  come,"  says  St.  Paul  to  the  Ephesians, 
"  in  the  unity  of  the  faith,  and  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son 
of  God,  unto  a  perfect  man."t  "  Grow  in  grace,"  is  the 
exhortation  of  the  Apostle  Peter,  "  and  in  the  knowledge  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ."t — This  it  is,  which 
the  Apostle  places  in  contrast  with  the  things  of  a  present 
world ;  and  he  may  be  here  considered  as  saying  :  Whatever 
my  heart  once  prized  as  of  eminent  value,  I  now  perceive  to 
be  what  it  really  is ;  Christ,  and  his  salvation,  I  see  to  be  the 
first  and  greatest  object,  and  all  else  to  be  subordinate ;  the 
earth  dwindles,  and  the  Lord  and  Redeemer  stands  forth  to 
my  enlightened  vision  as  the  "  all  in  all."§ 

It  may,  perhaps,  by  the  divine  blessing,  edify  the  believer,  and 

■' John,  xvii.  3.         t  Eph.iv.  13.         t  II.  Pet.  iii.  18.         §  I.  Cor.  xv.  28. 


IgO  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XII 

shew  the  simply  nominal  Christian  the  deficiency  of  his  cha- 
racter, to  illustrate,  by  a  few  examples,  this  principle  of  the 
Saviour's  renewed  disciples.  Let  us  take,  as  one  instance,  the 
riches  of  this  life.  These,  then,  are,  in  the  eyes  of  the 
worldly  man,  accounted  as  "  gain."  He  sets  a  high  value 
upon  wealth  ;  the  love  of  it  engrosses  much  of  his  thoughts, 
and  the  pursuit  of  it  the  greater  proportion  of  his  time  ;  and 
to  live  and  die  with  large  possessions,  is  the  single  object 
before  his  view.  Turn  to  the  real  Christian.  To  that  cross 
on  which  he  has  crucified  every  earthly  desire,  he  has  likewise 
nailed  his  affection  for  the  deceitful  Mammon.  He  lifts  his 
heart  from  the  treasures  of  the  world  to  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  the  gospel :  and,  though  he  labors  moderately  and 
diligently  for  the  meat  that  perisheth,  and  can  enjoy  with 
thankfulness  the  abundance  with  which  Providence  may  bless 
him,  yet  all  seems  paltry,  while  he  contemplates  that  life  and 
immortality  which  God  has  given  him  through  his  Son. 
Take,  as  another  example,  the  several  gratifications  of  the 
present  life.  Upon  these  the  unconverted  man  looks  with 
fondness,  and  reckons  them  as  valuable  "  gain."  If  he  be  a 
mere  pursuer  of  pleasure,  his  heart  becomes  entirely  devoted 
to  the  frivolities  of  life  ;  he  esteems  them  as  things  of  import- 
ance, and  worthy  of  all  the  attention  they  receive  from  him ; 
and,  in  this  daily,  unintermitted  chase  after  what  the  world 
can  give,  every  faculty  is  occupied.  If  he  be  fond  of  human 
learning,  these  acquisitions  he  cultivates  as  the  highest  objects 
of  desire ;  and,  regarding  them  as  the  chief  good,  buries  the 
recollection  of  all  other  concerns  beneath  literature,  science,  or 
philosophy.  Direct  your  eyes  once  more  to  the  servants  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     What  to  him  are  the  vain  enjoy- 


CHAP.  HI.  4-9]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  IgJ 

ments,  by  which  those  around  him  are  amused  and  deceived  ? 
The  gospel  of  the  Redeemer,  with  all  its  wondrous  prospects, 
has  made  them  contemptible ;  he  looks  upon  them  as 
shadows ;  as  things  which  he  cannot  be  induced  to  notice, 
while  invested  with  the  hope  of  an  eternal  portion,  and  of  a 
throne  in  heaven.  What,  in  his  eyes,  appear  the  pursuits  of 
worldly  knowledge?  The  Christian  may  estimate,  indeed, 
according  to  their  real  value,  those  acquirements  which  expand 
and  refine  the  human  understanding.  He  may  travel, 
to  an  equal  extent  with  others,  over  the  field  of  letters  or  phi- 
losophy. Yet,  meanwhile,  the  superior  blessedness  of  the 
gospel  places  these  things  in  a  subordinate  station ;  he  con- 
trasts their  littleness  with  the  grandeur  of  the  Redeemer's 
religion ;  and,  being  risen  by  faith  with  Christ,  he  "  seeks  those 
things  which  are  above,  where  Christ  sitteth  on  the  right  hand 
of  God."*  Such,  my  brethren,  is  the  scope  of  St.  Paul's 
declaration  to  the  believers  of  Philippi.  The  renewed  servant 
of  Christ,  he  intends  to  say,  looks  round  upon  all  that  the 
world  contains  :  and  then,  in  the  language  of  the  Psalmist, 
exclaims,  "  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee  ?  and  there  is 
none  upon  earth  that  I  desire  beside  thee."t 

In  addition  to  the  heavenly  observation  just  considered,  he 
expresses,  secondly ,  the  cheerfulness  loith  lohich  he  resigned 
all  his  worldly  comforts  and  advantages^  for  the  sake  of 
the  gospel  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  Hear  his  animating 
assertion.  "  For  whom,"  says  he,  that  is,  for  Christ,  "  I  have 
suffered  the  loss  of  all  things,  and  do  count  them  but  dung, 
that  I  may  win  Christ ;  and  be  found  in  hira,  not  having 
mine  own  righteousness,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which 

*  Col.  iii.  I.  t  Pb.  Ixxui.  25. 


jg2  LECTURES  ON  Tllli  ILECT.  XU. 

is  through  the  faith  of  Christ,  the  righteousness  which  is  of 
God  by  faith."  When  the  Apostle  refers,  in  these  words,  to 
the  losses  which  lie  had  incurred  for  the  religion  of  his  blessed 
Master,  he  means  to  say,  not  only  that  he  had  given  up  those 
pursuits  and  pleasures  in  which  he  indulged  in  his  unregene- 
rate  days ;  but  that  he  had  been  compelled  to  endure  the 
severest  privations,  which  a  human  being  can  suffer.  When 
the  persecuting  Saul  became  transformed,  through  the  efficacy 
of  divine  grace,  into  the  ardent  and  devoted  Apostle,  what 
was  the  immediate  consequence  ?  He  lost  his  hopes  of  far- 
ther temporal  aggrandizement :  for  those  Jewish  ceremonies 
which  he  liad  before  maintained  with  ferocious  violence,  he 
now  exposed  as  nugatory  and  abolished.  He  lost  the  pleasant 
intercourse  of  his  early  friends  :  for  those  who  had  once  tra- 
velled with  him  on  the  same  road  of  bigotry  and  blinded  zeal, 
now  forsook  him;  raved  against  him  with  envenomed  ma- 
lignity ;  and  made  it  their  dearest  object  of  desire  to  recompense 
his  desertion  with  death.  But  more  than  all  this  he  had  sacri- 
ficed, for  "  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  righteousness."*  He 
had  resigned  even  the  charms  of  personal  liberty.  Who 
does  not  love  to  walk  forth  in  freedom,  and  to  inhale  the  air 
at  pleasure,  and  to  see  the  cheering  sun  ?  Yet  the  Apostle 
could  not  now  congiatulate  himself  even  upon  this ;  and  the 
very  Epistle  on  which  we  are  at  present  employed,  was  penned 
within  the  confines  of  a  prison.  Amidst  these  combined 
bereavements,  see  the  spirit  of  his  mind.  He  can  content- 
edly endure  all :  nay  more,  he  can  look  upon  the  delights  from 
which  he  has  been  separated  as  beneath  a  wish  ;  and  consi- 

+  Matt.  vi.  33. 


CHAP.  III.  4-0.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIIILIPPIANS  163 

clers  them  as  "  the  filth  of  the  world,  and  the  off-scouring  of 
all  things  !" 

My  brethren,  if  there  be  any  among  you  this  day,  who 
are  as  yet  hesitating,  from  worldly  motives,  upon  the  thres- 
hold of  a  Christian  profession,  come  hither,  and  take  a  lesson 
from  the  great  Apostle  of  the  Gentiles.     With  what  impress- 
iveness  and  sublimity  does  he  speak  to  you,  from  the  scene  of 
his  captivity  and  sufferings ;  and  call  upon  you  to  part  at 
once  with  every  thing  that  life  offers,  if  standing  in  competi- 
tion with  that  precious  salvation,  which  the  cross  of  Christ 
has  purchased  !     Is  there  one  individual,  then,  before  me,  who 
is  deterred  from  a  cordial  acceptance  of  Jesus,  by  the  dread  of 
being  abandoned,  ridiculed,  and  despised,  by  the  companions 
of  his  childhood  and  youth  ?     Look  at  St.  Paul ;  tread  in  his 
steps  ;  mark  the  determination  with  which  he  bore  in  mind 
his  Master's  admonition,   "  He  that  loveth  father  or  mother 
more  than  me,  is  not  worthy  of  me ;  and  he  that  loveth  son 
or  daughter  more  than  me,  is  not  worthy  of  me."*    Is  there 
one  person  here,  who  cannot  resolve  to  be  Christ's,  because  he 
may  thereby  be  subjected  to  some  sacrifice  of  worldly  plea- 
sures ?  Turn  to  the  Apostle ;  and  sec  the  unconquerable  stead- 
iness of  his  purpose  to  "  deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  cross,"t 
and  march  through  "  tribulation"1:  to  the  Kingdom.     This 
wonderful  man  holds  forth  to  you,  in  the  language  before  us, 
and  in  the  whole  history  of  his  converted  life,  the  pattern  of  a 
Christian's  comparative  estimate  of  this  present  world,  and  of 
the  eternal  privileges  of  the  Saviour's  religion.  From  him,  then, 
learn  your  duty ;  and  He  whom  St.  Paul  served,  and  whom 
every  believer  follows,  has  himself  announced  to  you  the  recom- 

*  Matt.  X,  37.  t  Matt.  xvi.  24.  t  Acts,  xiv.  22. 


164  LECTURES  ON  THE 

pense ;  "  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  There  is  no  man  that  hath 
left  house,  or  parents,  or  brethren,  or  wife,  or  children,  for 
the  kingdom  of  God's  sake,  who  shall  not  receive  manifold 
more  in  this  present  time,  and  in  the  world  to  come  life 
everlasting."* 

*  Luke,  xviii.  29.  30. 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  rillLIPPIANS  155 


LECTURE    XIIL 


CHAPTER  III.  10-14. 

That  I  may  know  him,  and  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  and  the 
fellowship  of  his  sufferings,  being  made  conformable  unto  his 
death ;  If  by  any  means  I  might  attain  unto  the  resurrection  of 
the  dead.  Not  as  though  I  had  already  attained,  either  were 
already  perfect:  but  I  follow  after,  if  that  I  may  apprehend 
that  for  which  also  I  am  apprehended  of  Christ  Jesus.  Breth- 
ren, I  count  not  myself  to  have  apprehended :  but  this  one 
thing  I  do,  forgetting  those  things  which  are  behind,  and 
reaching  forth  unto  those  things  which  are  before,  I  press 
toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus. 

The  Apostle  continues,  in  these  words,  the  train  of  thought 
which  he  had  been  pursuing  in  the  three  preceding  verses. 
At  the  view  of  that  glorious  salvation  procured  by  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  for  sinners,  and  of  his  own  personal  interest  in  its 
blessings,  he  had  declared,  as  you  have  seen,  the  world  to  be 
divested  of  its  attractions  ;  its  pleasures  to  be  vain  ;  the  sacrifice 
of  its  friendships  to  be  but  a  trifling  surrender,  when  exchanged 
for  the  favor  of  God,  and  the  future  glories  of  his  kingdom. 
This  exalted  estimate  of  the  riches  of  Christ,  as  being  the 


IQQ  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XIU. 

one  thing  needful,  he  now  expresses  still  further  to  his  breth- 
ren of  Philippij  and  with  equal  vehemence  of  feeling.  While 
we  proceed  in  the  consideration  of  his  interesting  language,  let 
us  seek,  my  dear  brethren,  to  be  filled  with  the  spirit  that 
breathes  through  it ;  and,  in  prospect  of  that  solemn  ordinance 
in  which  we  expect  this  morning  to  participate,*  pray  in- 
wardly that  we  may  know  nothing  among  men,  "  save  Jesus 
Christ,  and  him  crucified." 

The  verse  with  which  the  portion  before  us  begins,  requires, 
in  order  to  form  a  complete  sense,  to  be  closely  connected  with 
those  which  precede  it.  In  like  manner  as  he  had  reckoned 
every  thing  as  worthless,  in  comparison  with  the  great  object 
of  being  pardoned  through  the  merits  of  his  Redeemer,  so  does 
he  look  down  upon  the  world,  he  here  tells  us,  in  view  of  all 
the  other  privileges  of  the  precious  gospel  of  Christ.  "  That  I 
may  know  him,"  says  he ;  that  is,  become  experimentally  ac- 
quainted with  the  Saviour,  as  my  Delivorei-  from  the  guilt  and 
power  of  sin.  This  is  one  of  the  grand  marks  at  which  he 
aims :  another  he  thus  expresses ;  "  and  the  power  of  his 
resurrection."  St.  Paul,  by  the  "power"  of  the  resurrection  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  understands  that  ebicacy  which  it  possesses 
in  regard  to  believers ;  and  in  virtue  of  which  they,  likewise, 
shall  one  day  be  clothed  with  renewed  and  incorruptible  bodies, 
and  dwell  for  ever  with  the  Lord.  The  propriety  of  the  ex- 
pression will  readily  appear,  when  it  is  considered,  that,  it  is  only 
from  the  circumstance  of  our  Redeemer  having  risen  from  the 
tomb,  and  triumphed  over  the  power  of  the  grave,  that  we  can 
look  forward  to  the  same  glorious  privilege  ;  and,  accordingly, 
St.  Peter  renders  thanks  to  "  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord 

*  Sacrament  Sunday. 


CilAP.  III.  10-14.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILlPPlANri.  |g7 

Jesus  Christ,  which,  according  to  his  abundant  mercy,  hath  be- 
gotten us  again  unto  a  lively  hope  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus 
Christ  from  the  dead."*  St.  Paul  means  to  say,  therefore,  in 
the  words  under  the  consideration,  that,  in  contemplating  that 
result  of  his  Saviour's  resurrection,  by  which  he  himself  should 
be  made  the  inheritor  of  a  glorified  body,  and  of  the  eternal 
happiness  of  heaven,  every  thing  below  seemed  stripped  of  its 
grandeur  and  importance.  The  next  privilege,  stated  by  him 
as  an  object  of  absorbing  desire,  is  that  of  being  called  to  a 
similitude  of  griefs  with  his  crucified  Master.  This  he  styles 
"  the  fellowship  of  his  sufferings  ;"  meaning,  thereby,  a  par- 
ticipation in  some  of  those  calamities  and  persecutions,  which 
were  the  allotment  of  the  Son  of  God  during  his  incarnate  resi- 
dence among  men.  But  why  is  it,  that  he  reckons  a  life  of 
severe  endurances  among  the  number  of  those  blessings,  which 
take  from  this  world,  and  its  concerns,  all  their  interest  in  his 
eyes  1  In  answer  to  this  question,  it  is  to  be  observed  that  he 
here  speaks,  not  in  reference  to  these  afflictions  in  themselves 
considered,  but  to  that  future  resurrection  to  life  of  which  they 
are  the  necessary  precursors.  In  the  days  of  the  Apostle,  the 
road  to  glory  lay  through  bonds,  stripes,  and  martyrdom ;  and 
not  only  as  to  that  period,  but  as  to  all  ages  of  the  church,  is  it 
the  fact,  that  they  who  shall  "  reign"  with  Christ  in  heaven, 
are  those  also  who,  by  the  opposition  of  enemies,  have  been 
made  to  "  suffer"!  with  him  upon  earth.  Looking  at  the  be- 
liever's trials  in  this  their  connexion  with  his  final  salvation, 
his  mind  rose  within  him  ;  and  the  sword,  the  prison,  and  the 
cross,  seemed  possessed  of  a  glory,  at  the  side  of  which  all  the 
pageantry  and  show  of  life  were  robbed  of  their  splendor. 

*  I.  Pet.  i.  3.  t  II,  Tim,  ii.  12. 


Jtit>  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XUI. 

This  ardent  desire  to  suffer  whatever  was  necessary,  during  his 
pilgrimage  to  a  better  world,  is  expressed  farther  in  the  words 
that  follow :  "  being  made  conformable  unto  his  death ;"  that 
is,  by  perils,  and  cruel  inflictions,  endured  for  the  gospel,  resem- 
bling that  divine  Master  who,  for  our  sins,  became  a  man  of 
sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  griefs.  After  all  these  successive 
expressions,  St.  Paul  repeats,  in  another  form,  a  wish  already 
uttered ;  and,  in  order  to  shew  the  prominent  object  before  his 
vision,  earnestly  exclaims,  "  If  by  any  means,"  or,  through  any 
difficulties  and  sufferings,  "  I  might  attain  unto  the  resurrection 
of  the  dead ;"  that  happy  state  of  the  servants  of  Christ,  by 
which,  delivered  from  the  incumbrances  of  this  body  of  sin, 
they  become  possessors  of  a  new  and  heavenly  form,  beyond 
the  reach  of  diseases  or  decay. 

From  this  last  expression,  then,  taken  in  connexion  with 
that  allusion  before  made  to  the  same  topic,  you  perceive  that 
the  Apostle  was  now  raising  himself  above  the  love  of  the 
world,  by  the  sublime  and  animating  contemplation  of  the 
future  resurrection  of  the  body.  In  the  anticipation  of  this 
final  recompense  of  the  believer,  he  is  absolutely  lifted  into  con- 
tempt of  all  that  the  unregenerate  man  prizes ;  and  your  minds 
are  probably  carried,  my  brethren,  by  his  language  on  this 
occasion,  to  those  other  places  in  his  writings,  in  which  the 
thought  of  his  resurrection  makes  him  ascend,  with  trans- 
port of  soul,  above  every  sublunary  concern.  How  does  his 
bosom  glow,  as  he  exclaims  to  the  Christians  of  Corinth ; 
"  This  corruptible  must  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal 
must  put  on  immortality  !  So  when  this  corruptible  shall 
have  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  shall  have  put  on 
immortality,  then  shall  be  brought  to  pass  the  saying  that  is 


CHAP.  m.  10—14]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  FJilLlPPlANS.  ] gg 

written,  Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory."*  With  what  rap- 
ture does  he,  on  a  subsequent  occasion,  look  forward  to  the  hour, 
when,  in  the  world  of  light  and  joy,  he  should  be  clothed  upon 
with  "  a  building  of  God,  an  house  not  made  with  hands,  eter- 
nal in  the  heavens  !"t  With  what  elevation  of  feeling  does 
he  express  himself  to  the  Thessalonian  believers  !  "  The 
Lord  himself  shall  descend  from  heaven  with  a  shout,  with  the 
voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with  the  trump  of  God  :  and  the 
dead  in  Christ  shall  rise  first :  then  we  which  are  alive  and  re- 
main shall  be  caught  up  together  with  them  in  the  clouds,  to 
meet  the  Lord  in  the  air :  and  so  shall  we  ever  be  with  the 
Lord."J 

In  view  of  this  effect  of  the  doctrine  of  the  resurrection  upon 
St.  Paul's  mind,  may  I  not  properly  present  it  to  i/oti,  my  breth- 
ren, as  a  means,  under  Providence,  of  raising  you  in  triumph 
above  the  follies,  the  cares,  and  the  afflictive  visitations  of  life? 
Is  there  within  this  assembly  the  man  of  the  world  ;  the  per- 
son who  is  giving  himself  up  to  the  pleasures  and  amuse- 
ments of  the  passing  hour ;  and  saying  to  the  meagre  frivoli- 
ties which  earth  offers  to  him.  Ye  are  my  gods  ?  To  perceive 
these  objects  of  your  idolatry  in  their  real  insignificance,  mea- 
sure them  by  the  glories  of  eternity.  Place  all  that  you  have 
been  so  long  pursuing  in  comparison  with  the  joys  of  the  risen 
believer :  and  be  led,  through  divine  grace,  to  change  your  course 
of  action  ;  and  to  look  above  this  land  of  vain  shadows  to  a 
state,  where  the  servants  of  Jesus  shall  be  renewed  with  celes- 
tial beauty,  and  delivered  from  the  bondage  of  corruption  for 
ever.  Where,  in  the  present  congregation,  is  the  believer, 
who  is  oppressed  by  a  multiplicity  of  vexations  ;  and  disturbed 

*  I.  Cor.  XV.  53.  5  i.  t  II.  Cur.  v.  1,         1 1.  Thca.  iv.  IG.  17, 

22 


170  LECTURES  ON  THE  Ll-ECT.  Xlll- 

by  daily  anxieties  arising  out  of  the  nature  of  his  worldly 
calling  ?  Soothe  these  corroding  sorrows  with  that  anticipation 
which  was  the  Apostle's  comfort,  amidst  the  heaviest  trials  of 
his  career.  This  short,  feverish,  restless  state  of  existence, 
will  soon  be  terminated  ;  and,  for  those  who  have  been  washed 
in  the  blood  of  Christ,  there  then  remaineth  a  rest :  a  cessa- 
tion from  all  that  now  annoys :  a  body  fitted  for  unmixed 
enjoyment  in  the  Lord's  beatific  presence,  and  in  the  rejoicing 
company  of  his  redeemed  people.  And  do  I  see  those  before 
me,  who  are  mourning  over  the  separations  of  a  world,  where 
they  who  have  travelled  longest  together  must  at  length  be 
parted?  My  dear  brethren,  there  is  that  in  the  doctrine  before 
us  which  should  dry  your  tears.  That  form  which  has 
descended  into  the  grave,  shall  be  again  quickened  into  Ufe  ; 
that  tongue  shall  again  speak ;  those  eyes  shall  again  beam 
with  "  meek  intelHgence ;"  and  it  is  yours  to  feel,  in  all  its 
sweet  influences,  the  language  of  him  who  exclaimed,  "  I 
would  not  have  you  to  be  ignorant,  brethren,  concerning  them 
which  are  asleep,  that  ye  sorrow  not,  even  as  others  which 
have  no  hope.  For  if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose 
again,  even  so  them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring 
with  him."*  In  the  contemplation,  then,  of  this  coming 
resurrection  to  eternal  life,  find  an  antidote  against  the  trifles, 
and  against  the  calamities  of  the  world  ;  and  present  to  your- 
selves daily  the  patriarch's  anticipation,  "  I  know  that  my 
Redeemer  liveth,  and  that  he  shall  stand  at  the  latter  day 
upon  the  earth :  and  though  after  my  skin  worms  destroy 
this  body,  yet  in  my  flesh  shall  I  see  God."t 

The  Apostle,  having  thus  expressed  his  ardent  desires  after 

*  I.  Thess.  iv.  13. 14.  t  Job,  xix.  25. 26. 


CHAP.  III.  10-14.1  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  271 

the  blessings  of  the  gospel,  and  the  effect  which  these  great 
objects  had  produced  in  sinking  the  world  in  his  esteem,  pro- 
ceeds, in  the  twelfth  verse,  to  a  remark  of  considerable  impor- 
tance. He  there  tells  the  Philippians,  that,  paramount  as  were 
the  things  of  the  next  world  in  his  mind,  and  much  as  he 
labored  after  their  possession,  yet,  withal,  he  could  not  as  yet 
confidently  pronounce  them  his.  Mark  the  cautious  fear  and 
trembling  of  his  language.  "  Not,"  he  declares,  "  as  though 
I  had  already  attained,  either  were  already  perfect."  The 
terms  here  employed,  are  in  allusion  to  runners  in  the  ancient 
games.  The  term  "  perfect"  was  applied  to  those  who  had 
come  off  victorious,  and  to  whom  was  assigned  the  prize;  and 
it  is  in  reference  to  this  appellation,  that  the  writer  of  the  Epis- 
tle to  the  Hebrews  speaks  of  "  the  spirits  of  just  men  made 
perfect  ;"*  that  is,  of  those  believers  who,  in  the  heavenly 
world,  have  been  crowned  with  a  glorious  recompense  of 
reward.  St.  Paul  means  to  say,  therefore,  that,  inasmuch  as 
he  was  yet  in  a  world  of  conflict  and  temptation,  he  could  do 
no  more  than  hope  for  the  crown  of  life ;  and  was  far  from 
venturing  to  consider  himself,  with  full  assurance,  as  the  pos- 
sessor of  those  rich  blessings  to  which  he  aspired.  Instead  of 
certainty,  therefore,  anxious  and  incessant  labor  was  his  allot- 
ment. '^  But  I  follow  after,"  that  is,  I  keep  ever  active  in  the 
course  to  which  I  am  called  ;  "  if  that  I  may  apprehend  that 
for  which  also  I  am  apprehended  of  Christ  Jesus  ;"  in  other 
words,  endeavoring,  with  all  diligence,  and  by  every  effort,  to 
reach  that  prize,  for  the  sake  of  which  my  gracious  Master 
seized  me  in  my  blind  career  ;  and,  opening  my  eyes  to  the 
sinfulness  of  the  unrenewed  heart,  and  the  vanity  of  the 

♦Heb.  xii.23. 


172  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT,  XIII. 

world,  led  me  as  a  willing  captive  to  the  obedience  of  his 
cross. — In  these  words,  as  thus  briefly  explained,  one  or  two 
considerations,  of  a  very  useful  character,  unfold  themselves  to 
your  view. 

And  1.  You  perceive,  my  beloved  brethren,  in  these  timo- 
rous expressions  of  St.  Paul,  in  regard  to  the  momentous 
subject  of  his  own  eternal  salvation,  the  spirit  of  all  the 
real  servants  of  Christ. — Let  us  advert,  for  a  moment,  to 
the  precise  character  and  circumstances  of  the  great  Apostle 
of  the  Gentiles.  He  had  been  brought,  through  the  power  of 
divine  grace,  to  a  clear  and  experimental  knowledge  of  his 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ :  he  had  devoted  all  the  facul- 
ties of  his  mind  and  body  to  the  Redeemer's  service :  and  had 
now  nearly  reached  the  conclusion  of  his  happy,  holy,  and 
strikingly  useful  career.  Yet  what,  amidst  all  this,  is  the  per- 
vading feeling  of  his  bosom  ?  The  words  before  us  sufficiently 
disclose  it.  He  does  not,  it  is  true,  despond,  nor  evince  any 
terrors  in  regard  to  the  nature  of  his  eternal  destiny :  for  this 
would  have  been  strange,  after  a  conversion  so  peculiar  in  its 
character,  and  a  life  so  signally  distinguished.  But  there  is 
here,  nevertheless,  no  expression  of  bold  confidence  ;  nothing 
indicative  of  ease  and  security ;  not  the  least  degree  of  that 
spirit  which  seems  to  say — The  struggle  is  over  ;  I  have  gained 
the  prize ;  and  heaven,  with  all  its  fulness  of  joys  and 
glories,  is  my  assured  inheritance.  My  Christian  brethren, 
may  we  not  take  a  lesson  from  the  example  before  us ;  and 
learn  from  it,  that  they  who  have  advanced  to  farthest  attain- 
ments in  the  school  of  Christ,  are,  invariably,  the  most  distin- 
guished by  a  timid  estimate  in  regard  to  their  safety  in  the 
world  to  come,  and  a  glorious  termination  of  their  labors  ? 


CHAP.  III.  10-14.1  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIIILIPPIANS.  j>73 

The  principle,  from  which  this  disposition  of  the  Lord's  spiri- 
tual servants  proceeds,  is  easy  of  explanation.  It  is  the  most 
experienced  believer,  who  knows  best  the  weakness  of  his  own 
heart.  He  feels  within  himself  the  daily  struggle  between 
the  spirit  and  the  flesh :  temptations  teach  him,  that  "  the 
righteous  scarcely  are  saved  :"*  and,  accordingly,  so  long  as  he 
continues  in  the  body,  and  is  fighting  the  fight  of  faith,  he 
cannot  permit  himself  to  look,  with  triumphant  certainty,  to 
that  "  rest"  which  "  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God."t  It 
may,  therefore,  be  generally  taken  as  a  certain  truth,  that, 
wherever  there  are  found  high  pretensions  to  holiness,  and  a 
tone  of  confidence  in  respect  to  the  possession  of  God's  kingdom 
hereafter,  there,  likewise,  shall  we  discover  little  knowledge  of 
the  deceitfulness  of  man's  nature,  and  very  shallow  experience 
of  the  divine  life  within  the  soul.  The  believer,  like  St.  Paul, 
exults  in  the  delightful  anticipation  of  a  resurrection  unto 
glory.  But  his  rapture  is  chastened  by  fear :  he  labors  after 
that  reward,  which  he  feels  conscious  that  he  does  not  yet 
possess :  and  his  heart  continually  cries,  "  I  will  lift  up  mine 
eyes  mito  the  hills,  from  whence  cometh  my  help  ;"t  "  Hold 
thou  me  up,  and  I  shall  be  safe  ;"§  "  O  send  out  thy  light  and 
thy  truth :  let  them  lead  me ;  let  them  bring  me  unto  thy 
holy  hill,  and  to  thy  tabernacles." II 

2.  There  is  another  part  of  the  Apostle's  words  to  which  I 
would  invite  your  attention,  and  which  possesses  much  inte- 
rest :  namely,  the  gratitude  with  which  he  I'ecognizes  that 
kind  interposition  of  Providence,  whereby  he  had  been 
brought  to  a,  saving  knoioledge  of  the  truth.  Turn  your 
eyes  again  to  the  language  he  uses  :  "  If  that  I  may  appre- 

*  I.  Pet.  iv.  18.    +Heb.  iv.9.    tPs.cxxi.  1.    §  Ps.  cxix.  117.     "  Ps.  xliii.  ,3. 


174  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XIII 

hend  that  for  which  also  /  am,  aj^prehended  of  Christ 
Jesus"  His  words  are  an  allusion  to  the  idea  of  some 
person,  who,  having  wandered  from  the  correct  road  into  a 
dreary  and  perilous  wilderness,  is  suddenly  arrested  by  a 
friendly  arm,  and  restored  to  the  path  of  safety.  In  like  man- 
ner was  it  with  St.  Paul  himself.  He  was  straying  an  out- 
cast from  his  Father's  house,  and  in  ignorance  of  the  way  of 
life :  but  that  Lord  whose  compassions  fail  not  met  him  on  his 
journey,  and  conducted  him,  by  the  power  of  his  illumi- 
nating grace,  to  the  peace  and  happiness  of  the  gospel.  So 
beneficent  an  act  of  the  divine  Redeemer  in  his  behalf,  he 
takes  occasion,  in  the  verse  before  us,  to  commemorate  ;  and 
breaks  forth  into  a  passing  expression  of  love  for  the  Being, 
who  had  thus  gathered  him  out  of  the  world's  howling  waste 
into  the  fold  of  his  crucified  Master. 

My  brethren,  there  are  some  among  you^  who,  like  the 
great  Apostle,  have  experienced  the  efficacy  of  God's  con- 
verting Spirit ;  and  does  not  the  example  of  St.  Paul's  ado- 
ring acknowledgment  speak  a  lesson  of  thankfulness  to  your- 
selves ?  The  truth  is,  that  that  visitation  of  divine  Providence 
by  which  a  sinner  is  convicted  of  his  transgressions,  and  hum- 
bled into  a  reception  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  as  his  only 
refuge,  is  so  unspeakable  a  blessing,  that  it  ought  never  to  be 
absent  from  the  memory.  It  should  be  answered  with  a  daily 
return  of  praise  :  it  should  be  the  theme  of  your  songs  in  the 
night :  it  should  bring  you  into  that  frame  of  soul,  which  the 
Apostle  describes  to  the  Colossians,  when  he  says,  "  Giving 
thanks  unto  the  Father,  which  hath  made  us  meet  to  be  par- 
takers of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light :  who  hath 
delivered  us  from  the  power  of  darkness,  and  hath  translated 


CHAP.  III.  10— H.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  175 

US  into  the  kingdom  of  his  dear  Son."*  Let  nie  ask  you, 
then,  my  Christian  friends,  to  carry  your  remembrance  to  the 
history  of  past  years ;  and,  whatever  has  been  the  precise 
method  in  which  the  Lord  has  brought  you  to  the  knowledge 
of  himself,  to  make  it  the  subject  of  your  devoutest  ascriptions 
to  the  Author  of  your  mercies.  Was  it  in  the  midst  of  pro- 
fligacy and  vice,  that  the  kind  Shepherd  touched  you  with  his 
hand  ?  Adore  the  mercy,  which,  notwithstanding  a  career  so 
calculated  to  harden  the  heart,  and  prevent  the  entrance  of 
every  serious  impression,  led  you  to  reflection ;  and  opened 
your  eyes  to  the  misery  of  him,  who  is  living  without  Christ 
and  without  hope  in  the  world.  Did  the  Lord  God  Almighty 
visit  you  with  this  divine  renewal  of  the  affections,  while  im- 
mersed in  the  pleasures  of  the  worldly  ?  Acknowledge,  in 
this  case,  the  arm  that  took  you  into  the  path  of  life  ;  and, 
for  delights  which  pass  quickly  away,  and  leave  a  sting 
behind,  gave  you  that  faith  which  sees  a  Saviour  at  hand, 
and  that  peace  which  passeth  all  understanding.  Or  do  you 
find  yourself  unable  to  point  to  any  particular  moment,  in 
your  pilgrimage  of  life,  in  which  the  transforming  grace  of 
the  Redeemer  operated  upon  your  heart ;  but  rather  trace  back 
through  long  years  a  course  of  faith  and  love,  which  kept  ever 
increasing  in  strength  and  brightness  as  your  days  advanced  ? 
Oh,  forget  not  to  pay  your  tribute  to  Him,  who,  through  this 
path  of  pious  education,  has  made  you  his  spiritual  servant ; 
give  him  the  honor  that  is  due  ;  "  praise  the  Lord  while  you 
live,"  and,  as  long  as  you  "  have  any  being,  sing  praises  unto 
your  God."t  My  dear  hearers,  if  there  be  any  thing  glorious 
in  the  happiness  of  heaven,  or  awful  in  the  condemnation  of 

*  Col.  1. 12. 13.  tP3.cxIvi.2. 


176  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XIII. 

hell,  thus  thank  the  Author  of  your  conversion  to  the  know- 
ledge of  the  truth ;  and  turn  upward  an  eye  of  humble  ado- 
ration to  that  Lord,  "  who  hath  blessed  you  with  all  spiritual 
blessings  in  heavenly  places  in  Christ."* 

The  verses  with  which  the  portion  before  us  concludes,  are 
but  a  repetition,  in  another  form,  of  the  declaration  made  by 
the  Apostle,  in  that  by  which  they  are  preceded.  "  Brethren," 
he  exclaims,  as  if  enforcing  what  he  had  said,  "  I  count  not 
myself  to  have  apprehended  ;"  that  is,  I  do  not  consider  my- 
self as  having,  like  the  successful  runner,  already  reached  my 
reward :  "  but  this  one  thing  I  do,  forgetting  those  things  which 
are  behind,  and  reaching  forth  unto  those  things  which  are 
before,  I  press  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high  call- 
ing of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  :"  in  other  words.  Instead  of  rest- 
ing with  satisfaction  upon  my  past  attainments  in  faith,  and 
supposing  the  crown  to  be  mine,  I  bear  in  mind  that  life  is  a 
continual  struggle  ;  I  watch  and  strive  ;  I  tremble,  lest,  after 
all  that  I  have  done,  I  should  at  last  make  shipwreck  of  my 
hopes,  and  be  a  castaway  from  the  Father's  love. — It  is  in 
these  strong  and  decided  terms,  that  the  Apostle  repeats  his 
anxiety  for  the  result :  but  his  words,  while  they  express  this 
cautious  diffidence,  set  forth  to  you,  my  brethren,  in  a  manner 
the  most  forcible  and  impressive,  the  activity,  zeal,  and  devoted- 
ness,  which  distinguish  those,  who  are  truly  advancing-  to 
a  heavenly  country,  and  contending  for  the  eternal  sal- 
vation of  the  gospel.  In  the  view  of  that  altar,t  around  which 
you  are  about  to  proclaim,  before  men  and  angels,  that  the 
world  is  a  shadow,  and  Christ  is  all  in  your  esteem,  permit 
me  to  hold  up  the  spirit  of  St.  Paul  as  the  mind  that  should 

*  Epii.  1.  3,  1  Comiuunion  Sunday. 


CHAP.  III.  10-14.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIIILIPPIANS.  177 

likewise  be  in  you.  How  can  you,  in  the  prospect  of  that 
feast  of  your  profession,  be  content  to  proceed  in  a  poor  career 
of  compromise  with  the  vanities  of  the  world,  and  of  luke- 
warm and  partial  service  ?  The  calling  of  the  believer  is  one 
of  untiring  energy,  not  of  formal  observances  ;  of  spirit  and 
of  power,  not  of  cold  and  reluctant  ceremony.  To  such  a 
view  of  its  character,  may  each  one  of  you,  through  the  grace 
of  God,  be  led  this  day  with  clear  perception !  Call  to 
mind  the  infinite  preciousness  of  your  reward.  "  To  him 
that  overcometh  will  I  give  to  eat  of  the  tree  of  life,  which 
is  in  the  midst  of  the  paradise  of  God."*  Ponder  the  disas- 
trous consequences  of  your  failure.  "  The  smoke  of  their 
torment  ascendeth  up  for  ever  and  ever."t  "Who  among  us 
shall  dwell  with  the  devouring  fire?  who  among  us  shall 
dwell  with  everlasting  burnings  Tt  "  Wherefore  the  rather, 
brethren,  give  diligence  to  make  your  calling  and  election 
sure :  for  if  ye  do  these  things,  ye  shall  never  fall :  for  so  an 
entrance  shall  be  ministered  unto  you  abundantly  into  the 
everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ."? 

*  Rev.  ii.  7,      t  Rev.  xiv.  11.        t  Isaiah,  xxxiii.  14.        §  H.  Pet.  i.  10.  jl. 


178  LECTURECJ  ON  THE 


LECTURE  XIV. 


CHAPTER  III.  15—19. 

Let  us  therefore,  as  many  as  be  perfect,  be  thus  minded :  and  if 
in  any  thing  ye  be  otherwise  minded,  God  shall  reveal  even 
this  unto  you.  Nevertheless,  whereto  we  have  already  attain- 
ed, let  us  walk  by  the  same  rule,  let  us  mind  the  same  thing. 
Brethren,  be  followers  together  of  me,  and  mark  them  which 
walk  so  as  ye  have  us  for  an  ensample.  {For  many  walk,  of 
whom  I  have  told  you  often,  and  now  tell  you  even  weepings 
that  they  are  the  enemies  of  the  cross  of  Christ :  Whose  end  is 
destruction,  whose  God  is  their  belly,  and  whose  glory  is  in 
their  shame,  who  mind  earthly  things.) 

The  Apostle,  after  having  dwelt,  through  nearly  all  the  pre- 
ceding part  of  the  present  Chapter,  upon  the  subject  of  himself 
and  his  spiritual  views,  now  returns  to  his  Philippian  brethren ; 
and  addresses  to  them  several  exhortations,  founded  upon  the 
important  statements  which  he  had  just  been  making.  The 
Epistle  in  whose  elucidation  we  are  employed,  is,  properly 
speaking,  a  letter  of  practical  admonitions.  It  leads  the  belie- 
ver to  the  proper  sources  of  confidence ;  it  enjoins  upon  him  the 
importance  of  a  right  judgment,  in  the  momentous  concerns 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  179 

of  the  gospel ;  and  proposes  salutary  rules  for  the  government 
of  his  daily  Hfe  and  conduct.  The  portion  which  now  comes 
in  order  for  your  consideration,  accords  entirely  with  this  cha- 
racter of  the  composition  ;  and  furnishes  some  precepts,  upon 
which  we  may  profitably,  in  dependence  upon  the  divine 
blessing,  bestow  our  thoughts. 

The  Apostle  begins  with  exhorting  the  PhiUppians  to  culti- 
vate the  same  views,  in  regard  to  the  gospel,  which  he  had 
just  illustrated  in  the  description  of  his  own  experience.  "  Let 
us  therefore,"  he  observes,  "as  many  as  be  perfect,  be  thus 
minded :  and  if  in  any  thing  ye  be  otherwise  minded,  God 
shall  reveal  even  this  unto  you."  In  advising  his  brethren  of 
Philippi  to  be  "  thus  minded,"  he  refers  to  all  that  he  had  been 
maintaining  in  the  previous  verses  of  the  Chapter.  He  had 
shewn  it  to  be  the  duty,  and  the  characteristic  spirit  of  the  real 
Christian,  to  renounce  all  dependence  upon  the  deeds  of  the 
flesh  ;  to  rest  upon  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  alone  for  salvation  ; 
to  count  every  thing  as  worthless,  in  comparison  with  the  eter- 
nal blessings  of  the  gospel ;  and,  in  the  pursuit  of  his  heavenly 
reward,  to  be  continually  struggling  onward,  as  one  that  dreads 
to  lose  the  crown,  and  that  feels  the  necessity  of  hourly  vigi- 
lance and  exertion.  This  habit  of  mind  and  feeling,  as  exem- 
plified in  his  own  Christian  course,  the  Apostle  now  urges  upon 
all  those  who  had  attained  experience  in  the  things  of  God ; 
and  whom  he  here  distinguishes  by  the  honorable  title  of 
the  "  perfect."  By  this  expression,  he  understands  persons, 
who  have  arrived  at  mature  acquaintance  with  the  gospel  sys- 
tem ;  who  are  advanced  and  spiritual  believers,  as  distinguish- 
ed from  those  who  have  but  an  imperfect  knowledge  of  the 
scheme  of  salvation.  The  possessors  of  this  enlightened  reli- 
gion he  characterizes,  in  other  places,  by  various  names.     In 


IgO  tECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XIV. 

his  First  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians  he  calls  them  "  spiritual" 
persons,  in  opposition  to  those  who,  by  their  feeble  progress  in 
divine  things,  are  only  "carnal,"  and  "babes  in  Christ."* 
And,  in  the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews,  they  are  styled  those  "  that 
are  of  full  age,"  in  distinction  from  others,  who,  though  nomi- 
nally Christians,  "  have  need  that  one  teach  them  again 
which  be  the  first  principles  of  the  oracles  of  God."t  The 
sacred  writer  implies,  therefore,  in  the  words  before  us,  that  it 
ought  reasonably  to  be  expected  of  persons  who  had  been,  in  a 
good  measure,  enlightened  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  that  they 
should  exhibit  those  correct  views  of  truth  on  which  he  had 
recently  been  insisting ;  and  he  connects  with  this  remark 
another  observation,  of  a  very  encouraging  nature.  "  And  if 
in  any  thing,"  says  he,  "  ye  be  otherwise  minded,  God  shall 
reveal  even  this  unto  you :"  that  is — Should  it  unhappily  be 
the  fact,  that  some  among  you  entertain  defective  conceptions, 
and  different  from  my  own,  in  regard  to  any  of  the  doctrines 
of  the  gospel,  let  me  exhort  you  to  go  steadily  and  humbly  on- 
ward ;  and,  through  this  path  of  prayer  and  godly  sincerity,  you 
will  be  conducted  at  last  to  the  full  day-light  of  Christian 
truth. 

It  is  to  this  part  of  the  verse  now  under  consideration,  that 
I  would,  in  particular,  my  brethren,  invite  your  attention  ;  be- 
cause it  illustrates  a  very  interesting  feature  in  the  Apostle's 
character.  Examine  the  spirit  that  breathes  through  his  lan- 
guage. Among  the  professing  Christians  of  Philippi,  there 
were  some  who  labored  under  very  imperfect  and  confused 
notions,  as  to  the  method  of  the  sinner's  justification.  In  respect 
to  these  partially  informed  believers,  what  is  the  disposition 

♦  I.  Cor.  iii.  1.  t  Heb.  v.  12.  14. 


CHAP.  III.  15— 19.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIIlI.lPPIANHi.  Jgl 

manifested  by  the  great  Apostle  ?     Is  he  irritated,  that,  with 
Christ  plainly  preached,  and  with  the  word  of  God  open  for 
their  instruction,  they  should  remain  in  such  ignorance  of  that 
way  of  life  provided  by  heaven  for  a  ruined  world  ?     Does  he 
upbraid  them  ?     Does  he  express  himself  even  with  the  least 
degree  of  harsh  and  inimical  feeling  ?     In  distinction  from  all 
this,  mark  his  temper.     He  is  thankful  for  that  measure  of 
knowledge  which  these  Christians  have  already  attained  ;  and 
waits,  in  a  spirit  of  calm  forbearance  and  faith,  for  the  time, 
when  that  Lord  who  has  led  them  thus  far  shall  give  them 
more  abundant  infusions  of  his  grace,  and  conduct  them  "  unto 
a  perfect  man."*     Thus  it  is  that  St.  Paul  deals  with  his  less 
enlightened  brethren  ;  and  his  conduct  cannot  be  too  strongly 
impressed  upon  those  of  you,  my  Christian  friends,  who  have 
been  favored  by  Providence  with  a  discriminating  knowledge 
of  divine  things.     While  you  mingle  among  the  professed 
servants  of  Christ,  you  meet  with  constant  exemplifications  of 
that  deficient  acquaintance  with  the  gospel,  which  was  per- 
ceived by  the  Apostle  in  those  primitive  days.     You  find  it, 
for  instance,  to  be  a  possible  thing,  that  men  may  have]sat  for 
a  considerable  period  under  the  faithful  ministration  of  the 
word  of  life,  and  yet,  after  all,  have  no  clear  convictions  of  the 
exclusive  efficacy  of  Christ,  for  procuring  their  eternal  salvation : 
that  they  may  be  blind  to  the  extent  of  their  inward  corruption  ; 
and  be  resting,  with  a  certain  easy  security,  upon  a  life  of 
moral  virtues,  and  of  benevolent  deeds.     Again  ;  among  those 
who  make  a  public  profession  of  the  lehgion  of  Christ,  you 
discover  persons,  who,  though  not  without  some  strong  feel- 
ings of  gratitude  and  love  for  the  Redeemer  of  sinners,  have 

♦  Eph.  iv.  13. 


1Q2  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XIV. 

not  yet  been  crucified  by  them  to  the  world ;  and  have  not  the 
most  distant  perception  of  the  necessity  of  coming  out  from 
among  the  ranks  of  the  frivolous,  being  "  separate,"*  and  re- 
nouncing the  customs  and  pleasures  of  the  unconverted  mind. 
Now,  at  the  sight  of  avowed  servants  of  Christ,  thus  deficient 
in  their  views  of  truth,  the  experienced  believer  is  immediately 
tempted  to  express  himself  in  censures  and  reproaches.  He 
compares  the  pievailing  errors  around  him  with  the  true  stand- 
ard of  Scripture  ;  and  finds  it  hard  to  think,  with  composure, 
upon  opinions  so  dark  and  uncertain  in  regard  to  the  religion 
of  the  Son  of  God,  among  those  who  are  called  his  disciples 
upon  earth.  Some  of  those  who  now  hear  me  have  probably 
experienced  the  feeling  to  which  I  refer ;  and  to  such,  the 
language  of  St.  Paul  under  review  exhibits,  in  contrast,  the 
spirit  which  should  characterize  the  children  of  God.  The 
believer,  instead  of  being  uneasy  at  the  deficiencies  of  professed 
Christians,  should  rather  live  in  the  exercise  of  humble  prayer, 
and  of  patient  expectation.  Let  those  who  are  most  taught  of 
God  look  back  to  the  gradual  advances,  by  which  they  reached 
their  present  illuminated  state :  let  them  think  of  the  inade- 
quacy of  their  own  former  views :  and  be  thus  led  to  hope  for 
brighter  apprehensions,  in  regard  to  their  yet  half-instructed 
brethren  in  the  Lord.  So  far  from  being  dissatisfied  because 
all  is  not  perfect,  be  grateful  that  so  much  has  been  accom- 
plished ;  and  trust  that  the  same  almighty  Providence  will,  in 
due  season,  communicate  still  larger  supplies  of  that  heavenly 
Spirit,  which  guideth  "  into  all  truth."t  Despise  not  "  the 
day  of  small  things  ft  think  that  what  you  see  not  now,  you 
shall  see  hereafter ;  and  strive  after  the  possession  of  that  love, 

*  II.  Cor.  vi.  17.  t  John,  xvi.  13.  *  Zech.  iv.  10. 


CHAP.  III.  15-19.1  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  Jgg 

which  "  beareth  all  things,  believeth  all  things,  hopeth  all 
things,  endureth  all  things."* 

The  next  admonition  here  given  by  the  Apostle,  enjoins  upon 
Christians  the  importance  of  persevering  with  constancy,  in 
the  maintenance  of  those  spiritual  graces  and  privileges  which 
they  already  possess.  He  thus  expresses  his  exhortation. 
"  Nevertheless,  whereto  we  have  already  attained,  let  us  walk 
by  the  same  rule,  let  us  mind  the  same  thing :"  or,  in  other 
words — Though  your  progress  in  the  divine  life,  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  may  have  been  as  yet  but 
small,  continue,  by  dependence  upon  the  grace  of  God,  in  the 
career  which  you  have  begun  ;  and  beware,  lest,  after  having 
"escaped  the  pollutions  of  the  world,"  you  be  "  again  entangled 
therein,  and  overcome."! 

It  would  be  impossible,  my  brethren,  too  much  to  admire  the 
wisdom  of  the  Apostle,  in  addressing  a  precept  such  as  this  to 
the  young  in  faith  and  holiness.  He  had  just  been  express- 
ing, as  you  have  seen,  his  favorable  hopes  as  to  the  future  im- 
provement of  those,  who  were  as  yet  imperfectly  acquainted 
with  the  gospel.  But  bearing  in  mind,  at  the  same  time,  the 
perilous  temptations  that  beset  the  Christian  traveller,  he  im- 
mediately proceeds  to  caution  them  ;  and  to  urge  their  adher- 
ence to  that  way  of  peace  and  salvation,  upon  which  they  had 
so  happily  entered.  The  experience  of  some  before  me  will  be 
able  to  testify  to  the  necessity  of  the  admonition  ;  and  will 
acknowledge  it  to  be  a  truth,  that,  if  there  be  any  among  the 
disciples  of  Christ  who  stand  in  need  of  all  which  precept,  and 
exhortation,  and  warm  entreaty  can  effect,  in  preserving  them 
steadfast  in  their  "  first  love,"t  it  is  those  who  have  just  com- 

*  I.  Cor.  xui.  7  t  II.  Pet.  ii.  20.  t  Rev.  li.  4. 


184  LECTURES  ON  THE  |,LE(JT.  XIV. 

menced  their  course  of  "  fellowship  with  the  Father,  and  with 
his  Son  Jesus  Christ."*    With  such  persons,  most  of  all,  the 
pilgrimage  to  heaven  is  a  difficult  and  trying  career.     He  who 
has  made  but  feeble  advances  in  the  love  of  Christ,  is  propor- 
tionately weak  in  his  ability  to  rise  superior  to  the  assaults  of 
the  world  ;  things  seen  have  a  more  attractive  appearance  in 
his  eye ;  and,  not  being  influenced  by  a  counteracting  princi- 
ple sufficiently  strong  and  steady,  he  is  liable  to  be  carried  off 
by  the  gaudy  pageantry  of  life,  or  to  be  withdrawn  from  the 
singleness  of  his  pursuit  after  heaven.     This,  then,  is  one  of 
the  dangers  that  encompass  the  inexperienced  servants  of  God ; 
and  we  may  mention,  in  addition,  their  discouragement  of 
heart,  by  the  discovery  of  their  repeated  falls  beneath  the  power 
of  temptation.     Overcome  by  the  grand  enemy,  relapsing  from 
the  warmth  of  their  affections,  and  led  into  sinful  compliances, 
they  are  ready  to  give  up  the  contest ;  and,  with  a  species  of 
desperation,  conclude,  that  it  is  not  to  be  their  privilege  to  be 
faithful  unto  death,  and  to  receive  the  crown  of  life  everlasting. 
Amidst  these  combined  perils  of  the  young  soldier  of  Christ,  the 
voice  of  the  Apostle  here  speaks  to  him  its  animating  and 
seasonable  language.     He  bids  you,  my  believing  friends,  in 
the  exercise  of  faith,  patience,  and  ardent  supplication,  hold 
fast  your  profession  without  wavering.     He  counsels  you,  by 
all  the  inestimable  glories  of  salvation,  to  yield  neither  to  the 
blandishments  of  the  world,  nor  to  the  suggestions  of  wicked 
despondency.     He  comes  to  you  as  to  persons,  that  know  the 
blessedness  and  value  of  Christ's  service,  and  all  the  loss  that 
you  will  incur  by  your  desertion  ;  and  then  affectionately  ex- 
claims, "  Yet  a  little  while,  and  he  that  shall  come  will  come, 

*  I.  John,  I.  3. 


CHAP.  III.  15-19.]  Lil'IriTLE  TO  TllK  l'lllLll*PiANf<.  185 

and  will  not  tarry.  Now  the  just  shall  Jive  by  faith :  but  if 
any  man  draw  back,  my  soul  shall  have  no  pleasure  in  him. 
But  we  are  not  of  them  who  draw  back  unto  perdition  ;  but  of 
them  that  believe  to  the  saving  of  the  soul."* 

From  this  exhortation  to  the  weak  in  faith,  the  Apostle 
passes  on  to  give  a  general  admonition  to  believers  of  every 
description  ;  and  humbly  presents  to  them  the  duty  of  taking 
himself,  as  the  model  of  their  daily  walk  and  conversation  in 
the  world.  "  Brethren,"  he  exclaims,  "  be  followers  together 
of  me  ;  and  mark,"  or  observe,  "  them  which  walk  so  as  ye 
have  us  for  an  ensample :"  or,  to  express  his  meaning  in  other 
language  ;  Copy  into  your  own  lives  those  graces  and  quahfi- 
cations,  which,  through  the  sanctifying  Spirit  of  God,  I  am  en- 
abled to  exhibit ;  and,  wherever  those  are  to  be  found  who  are  en- 
deavoring to  fashion  their  course  by  my  example,  make  them  the 
objects  of  your  study  and  imitation. — These  words  are  highly 
important,  because  they  inculcate  a  truth  which  is  declared,  with 
equal  plainness,  in  other  portions  of  the  word  of  life ;  namely, 
that  the  believer  may  very  properly  j^^opose  to  himself,  as 
patterns,  the  faithful  servants  of  Christ  ;  and  endeavor  to 
be  like  them,  so  far  as  their  characters  bear  a  resemblance 
to  that  heavenly  Master,  whom  both  he  and  they  serve. 
Thus,  in  the  First  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  St.  Paul  com- 
mands them,  "  Be  ye  followers  of  me,  even  as  I  also  am  of 
Clirist."t  In  conformity  with  this  precept,  he  counsels  the 
believing  Hebrews  to  be  "  followers  of  them  who  through  faith 
and  patience  inherit  the  promises."!  And  it  is  in  the  same 
manner  that  the  Psalmist  expresses  himself;  "  Mark  the  per- 

*  Heb.  X.  37.  38.  39.      1 1.  Cor.  xi.  1.      X  Heb.  vi.  12. 
24 


IQQ  LECTUllEtS  ON  THE  [LECT.  XIV. 

feet  man,  and  behold  the  upright :  for  the  end  of  that  man  is 
peace."* 

There  can  certainly  be  no  privilege,  my  Christian  brethren, 
for  which  our  gratitude  is  more  justly  due  unto  the  Father  of 
mercies,  than  that  of  being  furnished,  in  the  lives  and  actions 
of  God's  real  servants,  with  animating  examples  of  every 
heavenly  virtue.  It  is  by  these  holy  and  self-denying  fol- 
lowers of  the  Lord,  that  we  are  impelled  forward  on  our  way, 
we  catch  their  spirit ;  we  dwell  with  delight  upon  the  several 
portions  of  their  blessed  career ;  and  go  forth,  with  new  vigor, 
resolving  like  them  to  live,  and  also  like  them  to  die.  Per- 
haps the  best  method  of  proving  the  efficacy  of  these  models 
of  the  divine  life,  will  be  to  refer  you  to  your  own  experience, 
in  past  days,  of  their  influence  upon  your  hearts.  Where 
have  you  found  the  Scripture  to  speak  with  greater  inte- 
rest and  power,  than  in  its  histories  of  those  who  here 
walked  in  communion  with  God,  followed  the  leadings  of  his 
providence,  and  cast  themselves,  as  believing  sinners,  upon 
the  merits  of  his  only-begotten  Son  ?  I  may  remind  you, 
also,  of  the  profit  which  you  have,  at  various  times,  derived, 
from  the  perusal  of  Christian  biography.  You  have  risen 
with  new  determinations  to  forsake  all  for  Jesus,  from  the 
pages  that  record  the  lives  of  Gardiner,  and  Newton,  and 
Scott,  and  Martyn,  and  Urquhart,  and  Richmond  ;  and  have 
felt  after  them  an  increased  and  increasing  devotion  to  that 
everlasting  gospel,  which  was  the  grand  theme  of  their  rejoic- 
ing. And  it  is  with  the  same  happy  results,  that  the  Chris- 
tian contemplates  those  who,  in  his  own  day,  live  before  his 
eyes  as  signal  illustrations  of  the  loveliness  and  glory  of  reli- 

♦  Ps.  xxxvii.  37. 


CHAP.  III.  15-19.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  Ig7 

gion*  We  have  such  in  our  own  land  ;  we  behold  them  on 
the  other  side  of  the  ocean ;  and  their  example  is  fraught 
with  quickening  virtue,  and  speeds  us  onward  to  heaven  with 
fresh  alacrity  and  joy.  You  may  discern,  therefore,  by  an 
examination  of  your  own  feelings,  the  propriety  of  the  Apos- 
tle's admonition  in  the  language  before  us.  Conscious,  though 
with  all  lowliness  of  spirit,  of  his  own  attainments  in  the  life 
of  God,  he  holds  forth  the  pattern  for  the  diligent  inspection 
of  his  absent  children.  He  bids  them  ponder  that  love  to 
Clnist,  that  self-renouncing  mind,  that  zeal,  that  anxiety  for 
the  souls  of  men,  which  distinguished  his  course  to  the  world 
of  glory.  He  points  their  attention  to  all,  whoever  they  might 
be,  who  pursued  a  similar  path  in  the  midst  of  them ;  he  ex- 
horts them  to  make  these  the  exemplars,  under  Providence, 
of  their  own  spiritual  career ;  and  to  the  believers  of  PhiUppi, 
and  to  you,  my  brethren,  after  them,  exclaims,  "  Go,  and  do 
thou  likewise."* 

Such  is  the  manner  in  which  St.  Paul  proposes  himself, 
and  all  holy  men,  as  patterns  to  the  Philippian  believers :  but 
he  now  proceeds  to  the  painful,  though  equally  needful  duty, 
of  warning  them  against  the  opposite  examples  of  false  profes- 
sors of  Christ.  This  caution  is  contained  in  the  eighteenth 
and  nineteenth  verses  ;  and  evidently  has  reference  to  those 
carnally  minded  persons,  who  were  then  disturbing  the  church 
of  PhiUppi  with  their  false  doctrines,  and  corrupting  it  by  their 
worldly  lives.  These  dangerous  men  have  already  been 
referred  to,  in  former  portions  of  the  Epistle :  but  let  us  see 
the  terms  in  which  they  are  now  described.  "For  many 
walk,"  he  declares,  "of  whom  I  have  told  you  often,"  namely, 

*  Luke,  X.  37, 


188  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  Xllf. 

during  my  presence  with  you  in  other  days,  "  and  now  tell 
you  even  weeping,  that  they  are  the  enemies  of  the  cross  of 
Christ."  The  individuals  to  whom  St.  Paul  refers  were  dis- 
tinguished, as  we  have  seen,  by  their  neglect  of  the  grand 
doctrine  of  justification,  through  the  merits  of  the  Redeemer 
of  sinners,  and  by  their  attempts  to  establish  acceptance 
through  the  Mosaic  rituals :  they  might,  therefore,  with  the 
utmost  propriety,  be  styled  opposers  of  their  gracious  Master, 
within  the  very  bosom  of  his  church  below.  He  goes  on  to 
depict  them  in  still  stronger  language.  "  Whose  end  is 
destruction;"  in  other  words,  who,  notwithstanding  all  their 
pretensions  here,  are  travelUng  on  the  direct  road  to  the  final 
"perdition  of  ungodly  men.""^  "Whose  God  is  their  belly  ;" 
that  is,  the  great  object  whi:h  they  have  in  view,  in  their 
daily  life,  is  to  gratify  their  appetite,  and  obtain  the  luxuries 
and  comforts  of  the  present  world.  "  Whose  glory  is  in  their 
shame ;"  by  which  he  means  to  say,  that  they  pursued  with- 
out compunction  a  course,  which  disgraced  their  Christian 
vocation.  "  Who  mind  earthly  things",  is  the  concluding 
representation  of  their  character ;  by  which  it  is  shewn,  that, 
amidst  an  outward  religious  profession,  their  affections,  feel- 
ings, hopes,  and  views,  were  all  limited  to  this  transitory  scene ; 
and  never  ascended  to  those  things  "  where  Christ  sitteth  on 
the  right  hand  of  God."t 

It  appears,  then,  from  the  description  which  has  now  passed 
in  review,  that  these  persons  of  whom  St.  Paul  writes  were 
at  once  corrupt  in  doctrine,  and  unchanged  in  heart  and  life  ; 
and  that,  though  not,  perhaps,  stained  with  any  scandalous 
vices,  yet  they  exhibited  the  reverse  of  that  spiritual  and 

*  II.  Pet.  iii.  7.  t  Col.  iii.  I. 


CHAP.  Ill    15-19]  EPISTLli  TO  THE  I'lIILlPPIANH.  Ig9 

heavenly  mind,  which  distinguishes  the  servants  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  But,  my  brethren,  the  precise  conduct  and 
spirit  of  those  primitive  deceivers  is,  to  us,  a  matter  of  small 
importance,  compared  with  that  practical  lesson  which  may 
be  gathered  from  the  words  of  the  Apostle,  as  they  have  just 
been  briefly  explained.  This  useful  inference  let  us  now 
draw  for  our  instruction.  You  perceive  the  solicitude  with 
which  St.  Paul  counsels  his  Philippian  brethren,  in  regard  to 
those  among  them  who  Were  unworthy  of  imitation.  During 
the  period  of  his  personal  ministry  in  the  midst  of  them,  he 
had  lifted  up  his  voice  on  repeated  occasions  ;  he  now  charges 
them  again  on  the  same  subject ;  and  with  tears  and  prayers 
entreats  the  children  of  God,  to  be  on  their  guard  against 
those  evil  examples,  by  which  their  journey  to  heaven  was 
endangered.  What,  then,  let  me  ask,  does  all  this  anxiety 
of  the  Apostle  speak,  but  the  important  truth,  that  the  Chris- 
tian cannot  he  too  constantly  alive  to  the  jteril  in  which  he 
stands,  from  erroneous  ajid  toorldly  professors  of  the  reli- 
gion  of  Christ  Jesus  7  It  might  have  been  supposed,  that, 
with  the  views  which  these  Philippians  had  received  from  the 
mouth  of  St.  Paul,  and  with  his  bright  example  before  their 
eyes,  they  would  be  in  no  danger  from  those  who,  with  an 
opposite  character,  were  around  them  in  their  daily  journey  to 
the  skies.  The  Apostle,  however,  knew  better  the  contagious 
nature  of  false  doctrine,  and  of  earthly  lives  ;  and,  in  the 
words  which  he  here  utters,  he  desires  affectionately  to  remind 
you,  my  Christian  brethren,  of  the  perils  that  encompass  you, 
while  in  a  world  where  there  is  so  much  of  the  profession  of 
Christ,  with  so  little  of  the  spirit  and  power  of  his  religion. 
The  dangers  of  the  spiritual  believer  arise  principally  from 


i90  LECTURES  ON  THE  ILECT.XTV. 

the  circumstance,  that  errors  so  fatal  in  their  consequences  are 
nevertheless  so  plausible  in  their  outward  appearance.  Allow 
me  to  illustrate  this  observation,  by  reference  to  one  or  two 
plain  examples.  Among  the  number  of  those  who  belong  to 
the  church  of  the  Redeemer  on  earth,  are  some,  whose  whole 
course  is  that  of  merely  formal  compliance,  decency,  and  moral 
correctness  ;  but  whose  minds  have  no  perception  of  that  way 
of  life  eternal,  which  God  has  appointed  through  the  merits  of 
his  dear  Son.  And  yet,  to  the  eye,  these  very  persons  are 
actually  the  servants  of  Christ ;  and,  of  course,  the  danger  of 
their  views  is  tenfold  greater  to  the  believer,  from  the  fair  cover- 
ing in  which  their  real  character  is  enveloped,  and  from  their 
apparent  resemblance  to  the  children  of  God.  Again  :  in  this 
same  church  of  the  Redeemer,  are  those  who,  though  mem- 
bers of  Christ's  visible  body,  and  numbered  among  his  true 
servants,  have  never  abandoned  the  service  of  the  world ;  and 
are  combining  with  a  profession  of  godliness,  a  daily  conformi- 
ty to  the  practices  and  principles  of  "  them  that  are  without."* 
Here,  then,  is  another  peril  for  the  friends  and  disciples  of 
Jesus.  An  open  enemy  they  can  shun  :  but  the  persons  who 
thus  live  and  act,  are  they  who  are  joined  with  them  in  the 
same  spiritual  society ;  who  kneel  with  tliem  at  the  same  table ; 
who  profess  to  be  under  the  guidance  of  the  same  illuminating 
Spirit,  and  to  be  expecting  the  same  city  above.  Amidst  these 
dangers  which  attend  the  follower  of  the  Lord,  what  is  the 
course  of  wisdom  and  of  safety  ?  Let  him  study,  with  dili- 
gence and  prayer,  the  volume  of  God's  holy  word  ;  and  by 
this  infallible  standard  let  him  judge  of  the  principles  and  the 
habits  of  those,  who  are  enrolled  under  the  banners  of  the  Re- 

*  Col.  iv,  5. 


CHAP.  III.  15-19.  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPI ANS.  191 

deemer.  Do  the  professed  disciples  of  the  Son  of  God  agree 
with  the  model  here  presented  ?  Let  him  take  them  as  salu- 
tary guides  for  his  own  faith  and  practice.  Do  they  differ 
from  that  heavenly  book  ?  Let  him  set  his  face  against  their 
conduct  and  their  views ;  and  dread  them  as  false  and  perni- 
cious members  of  the  flock  of  Christ,  With  this  spirit  of  hum- 
ble fear,  and  cautious  examination,  let  me  counsel  you,  my 
Christian  friends,  to  proceed.  Weigh  well  the  character  of 
that  religion,  which  is  so  prevalent  in  the  world  around  you. 
There  are  many  "  having  a  form  of  godliness,  but  denying  the 
power  thereof :  from  such  turn  away."* 

*  II.  Tim.  iii.  5. 


192  LECTURES  C)i\  TUE 


LECTURE  XV. 


CHAPTER  III.  20.  21.  IV.  1—3. 

For  our  conversation  is  in  heaven ;  from  whence  also  we  look 
for  the  Saviour,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  Who  shall  change 
our  vile  body,  that  it  may  he  fashioned  like  unto  his  glorious 
body,  according  to  the  working  whereby  he  is  able  even  to  sub- 
due all  things  unto  himself.  Therefore,  my  brethren  dearly 
beloved  and  longed  for,  my  joy  and  crown,  so  stand  fast  in 
the  Lord,  my  dearly  beloved.  I  beseech  Euodias,  and  beseech 
Syntyche,  that  they  be  of  the  same  mind  in  the  Lord.  And  I 
entreat  thee  also,  true  yoke-fellow,  help  those  women  which 
laboured  with  me  in  the  gospel,  with  Clement  also,  and  with 
other  my  fellow-labourers,  whose  names  are  in  the  book  of 
life. 

From  that  description  of  the  earthly-minded  teachers  of  his 
day,  which  the  Apostle  had  just  drawn  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Philippian  believers,  he  now  turns  to  the  contrasted  character 
of  the  real  disciples  of  Christ.  The  religion  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
as  exempUfied  in  the  spiritual  affections  and  Uves  of  its  true 
subjects,  is,  in  itself,  lovely  to  behold ;  but  it  must  be  admitted, 
that,  when  illustrated  by  comparison  with  the  sordid  views, 
the  sensual  desires,  and  the  utterly  grovelling  attachments,  of 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PIJJL1PPIAN«.  ]  93 

unconverted  men,  it  shines  forth  with  still  brighter  radiance 
to  our  eyes.  How  forcibly,  therefore,  does  St.  Paul,  in  his 
Epistle  to  the  Galatians,  exhibit  those  graces  which  he  terms 
"  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit,"  by  placing  them  at  the  side  of  those 
evil  passions  which  he  calls  "  the  works  of  the  flesh  !"*  How 
elevated  appears  the  Christian's  pursuit  after  "  righteousness," 
as  the  supreme  object  of  his  heart's  desires,  when,  in  the  First 
Epistle  to  Timothy,  it  is  spoken  of  immediately  after  that 
"  love  of  money, "t  which  is  the  base  appetite  of  the  world- 
ling, and  his  absorbing  aim  from  childhood  to  the  grave  !  It 
is  for  this  same  reason,  that  the  portrait  of  a  true  believer,  con- 
tained in  the  commencement  of  the  portion  now  to  be  consi- 
dered, comes  before  us  with  additional  beauty  :  because  it  fol- 
lows a  representation  of  covetousness,  of  unchanged  affections, 
of  service  to  the  creature,  and  not  to  "  the  Creator,  who  is 
blessed  for  ever."| 

In  distinction  from  those  whom  he  had  been  describing, 
and  whose  hearts  the  Holy  Spirit  had  never  purified  from  the 
love  of  the  world,  the  Apostle  thus  defines  the  character  of 
the  renewed  servant  of  Christ.  "  For  our  conversation  is  in 
heaven."  The  word  which  is  here  rendered  "  conversation," 
signifies  properly,  citizenship,  and  the  feelings  and  views  con- 
nected with  it.  St.  Paul,  therefore,  intends  to  say,  that  he, 
and  all  those  who  were  partakers  of  the  "  like  precious  faith," 
were  no  longer  denizens  of  earth,  but  of  that  higher  state 
which  is  above  ;  and  that,  in  conformity  with  privileges  and 
hopes  so  exalted,  their  minds  rose  above  this  transitory  scene, 
and  were  fixed  upon  the  glories  of  the  world  to  come.  Let 
me  invite  your  attention  to  the  solemn  and  interesting  state- 

*  Gal.  V.  19—23.  1 1.  Tim.  vi.  10. 11.  t  Rom.  1. 25. 

35 


194  LECTURES  ON  THE  LtECT.  XV. 

ment,  contained  in  these  words  of  inspiration.  Whosoever, 
in  the  present  congregation,  has  been  led  by  divine'fgrace  to 
receive  Christ  vi^ithin  him,  as  "  the  hope  of  glory,"  is  now, 
through  the  merits  of  the  Saviour's  atonement,  exalted  to  the 
dignity  and  happiness  of  being  a  member  of  the  heavenly 
world.  He  is  no  longer  a  person  belonging  to  the  earth 
merely ;  but  is  already,  by  anticipation,  one  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  that  blessed  region,  where  the  spirits  of  the  just  made  per- 
fect rejoice  in  their  Redeemer's  presence.  It  is  in  regard  to  this 
connexion  of  the  Christian  with  those  happy  spirits  above, 
that  St.  Paul  elsewhere  describes  him  as  being  a  "  fellow- 
citizen  with  the  saints,  and  of  the  household  of  God  :"*  and, 
on  another  occasion,  he  represents  him  as  having  "  come  unto 
mount  Sion,  and  unto  the  city  of  the  living  God,  the  heavenly 
Jerusalem,  and  to  an  innumerable  company  of  angels,  and  to 
Jesus  the  Mediator  of  the  new  covenant."t  Thus  united  in 
holy  fellowship  with  that  abode  of  the  redeemed,  the  effect 
upon  the  heart  and  life  of  the  believer  is  such  as  might  rea- 
sonably be  expected  to  appear.  He  moves  through  the  present 
scene,  as  one  whose  vision  is  lifted  to  another  that  is  beyond 
it ;  there  he  lives ;  and,  amidst  the  sundry  and  manifold 
temptations  of  the  world,  steadfastly  "seeks  those  things 
which  are  above,  where  Christ  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of 
God."!  If  you  cast  your  eyes,  my  brethren,  over  the  pages  of 
Scripture,  you  will  find  that  this  heavenly  mind  has  always 
characterized,  in  a  visible  maimer,  the  true  servants  of  the 
Lord.  Enoch,  while  all  else  were  immersed  in  sublunary  con- 
cerns, walked  in  communion  with  God,  and  with  that  better 
world  where  he  resides.§     Abraham  "  sojourned  in  the  land 

*  Eph.  ii.  It).         t  Heb.  xii.  22. 24.         $  Col.  iii.  1.         §  Gen.  v.  24. 


CHAP.  III.  20.  21.  IV.  1-3.]    EPISTLE. TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  195 

of  promise,  as  in  a  strange  country :  for  he  looked  for  a  city 
which  hath  foundations,  whose  builder  and  maker  is  God."* 
David,  amidst  the  illusions  of  life,  kept  his  views  fixed  upon 
that  presence  where  there  "  is  fulness  of  joy,"  and  that  right 
hand  where  "  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore.t"  In  such  a 
habit  of  mind,  if  you  are  the  renewed  disciples  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  you  likewise  will  ever  be  found.  Citizens  of  an 
eternal  country,  thither  your  thoughts  will  continually  ascend  ; 
you  will  be  like  pilgrims,  who,  though  compelled  to  pass 
through  the  road  of  this  lower  world,  are  thinking,  all  the 
time,  of  their  home ;  you  will  shew  plainly,  by  your  whole 
course  of  conduct,  that  your  spirit  is,  "  Here  have  we  no  con- 
tinuing city,  but  we  see  one  to  come."+ 

Having  thus  contrasted  with  the  character  of  worldly  men 
that  of  the  spiritual  children  of  God,  St.  Paul  proceeds,  in  the 
next  place,  to  state  one  reason,  in  particular,  for  which  the 
heavenly  world  possesses  such  interest  in  the  Christian's  eye. 
It  is  thus  expressed.  "  From  whence  also  we  look  for  the 
Saviour,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  Who  shall  change  our  vile 
body,  that  it  may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glorious  body,  ac- 
cording to  the  working  whereby  he  is  able  even  to  subdue  all 
things  unto  himself"  He  here  affirms,  therefore,  as  you  per- 
ceive, that  the  Christian  pilgrim  cannot  but  have  his  affections 
fixed  upon  that  other,  and  better  country,  because  the  thought 
of  it  is  connected  with  the  expectation  of  Him,  who,  at  the  last 
day,  shall  raise  our  dust  from  the  grave,  and  fit  it  for  the  ever- 
lasting enjoyments  of  his  heavenly  kingdom.  Let  us  examine 
the  words  before  us  more  minutely.  St.  Paul  places  in  con- 
trast two  different  objects.     The  one  of  these  is  '•'  our  vile  body," 

*  Heb.  xi.  9. 10.  tPs.  xvi.  11.  t  Heb.  xiii.  14, 


igg  LECTLRES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XV. 

or,  as  it  might  be  more  literally  expressed,  the  body  of  our  hu- 
miliation :  that  is,  a  body  degraded  from  its  original  condition 
by  the  entrance  of  sin  into  the  world  ;  liable  to  diseases  and 
decay ;  and  destined  at  last  to  die,  descend  into  the  earth,  and 
become  the  prey  of  corruption.  The  other  is  the  "  glorious 
body"  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  that,  namely,  in  which  he 
now  sits,  as  Mediator  of  the  church,  at  the  right  hand  of  the 
throne  of  God.  The  lowly  and  corruptible  body  of  the  believer, 
thus  strikingly  compared  wuth  that  of  his  risen  and  glorified 
Master,  the  Apostle  tells  us  shall  be  "  changed :"  by  which  he 
intends  to  say,  not  that  the  servants  of  Christ  shall,  at  the 
resurrection,  appear  with  a  different  form  and  resemblance 
from  that  which  they  before  possessed  ;  but  that,  according  to 
the  proper  signification  of  the  word,  they  shall  be  fashioned 
anew ;  and,  having  qualities  and  properties  imparted  to  them, 
in  virtue  of  which  they  shall  be  incorruptible  and  immortal, 
shall  thus  be  conformed  to  the  likeness  of  their  divine  Head. 
Now  all  this  wonderful  operation,  whereby  the  decayed  tene- 
ment of  flesh  is  raised  from  the  ground,  restored  to  communion 
with  the  spirit  by  which  it  was  once  inhabited,  and  made  for- 
ever incapable  of  "  diseases  and  decline,"  seems,  to  the  finite 
conceptions  of  man,  something  beyond  the  bounds  of  credibility . 
We  are  here  directed,  therefore,  to  the  Author  of  so  mighty  an 
act ;  and  informed  that  it  is  "  according  to  the  working,"  or, 
the  efficacious  energy,  whereby  Christ  Jesus  "  is  able  even  to 
subdue  all  things  unto  himself:"  in  other  words,  that  same 
omnipotence  of  his,  through  which  he  shall  reduce  every  op- 
posing enemy  to  subjection,  shall  quicken  the  slumbering  dead ; 
and  thus  gain  the  last  triumphant  victory  over  the  power  of 
the  grave. 


CHAP,  III.  20.  21.  IV.  1—3.]    EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  J  97 

I  may  call  your  attention,  my  brethren,  in  passing,  to  the 
remarkable  testimony  afforded,  in  the  passage  before  us,  to  the 
divinity  of  the  eternal  Saviour  of  lost  sinners.  The  Apostle, 
as  you  perceive,  ascribes  the  new  and  glorified  bodies  of  the 
saints  to  the  almighty  strength  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  and 
evidently  allows  to  him  the  fulness  of  that  might,  which  "  laid 
the  foundations  of  the  earth,"  and  "  shut  up  the  sea  with  doors, 
and  said.  Hitherto  shalt  thou  come,  but  no  further :  and  here 
shall  thy  proud  waves  be  stayed."*  From  this  incidental  ob- 
servation, however,  I  hasten  to  lead  you  to  the  general  idea, 
thrown  out  in  these  words  of  the  inspired  writer,  as  they  have 
now  been  explained. 

In  a  recent  Lecture,  you  were  called  to  view  the  Apostle 
looking  forward,  with  enraptured  anticipation,  to  the  glorious 
resurrection  of  his  body.  With  the  same  feelings  of  delight 
which  he  then  discovered  in  the  topic,  he  now  turns  to  it  once 
more  ;  and  asserts  that  the  great  charm  which  that  brighter 
and  better  world  possessed  for  him,  was  derived  from  the  certain- 
ty that  his  poor,  frail,  dying  flesh,  should,  by  a  voice  from  thence, 
be  clothed  with  immortal  beauty,  and  dwell  with  Christ  for 
ever  and  ever.  And  is  it  any  wonder,  that  he  who,  for  the 
gospel's  sake,  was  "  beaten,"  and  "  stoned,"  and  "  buffeted," 
should  find  some  joy  in  the  expectation  of  a  state,  which  shall 
not  be  subject,  through  eternal  years,  to  the  visitations  of  sorrow 
and  of  pain  ?  Is  it  any  wonder,  that  he  who  hail  been  worn 
with  "  hunger,"  and  parched  with  "  thirst,"  should  dwell 
with  transport  upon  the  promises  of  a  frame,  which  "  shall 
hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any  more  ;  for  the  Lamb  which 
is  in  the  midst  of  the  tlirone  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead 

*  Jobj  xxxviii,  4.8.  II. 


198  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.XV- 

them  unto  living  fountains  of  waters  ?"*  Is  it  surprising,  that 
he  who,  for  the  work  of  bringing  sinners  unto  God,  had  pined  in 
"weariness"  and  "watchings,"  and  "had  no  certain  dwelling- 
place,"  should  hail  with  delight  a  condition,  in  which,  as  long  as 
heaven  itself  shall  endure,  the  believer  shall  sweetly  "rest  from 
his  labors  ?"t  But  that  which  the  Apostle  uttered  for  his  own 
consolation,  he  likewise  spoke,  my  brethren,  for  yours.  If  you 
are  true  Christians, — he  seems  to  say, — you  are  citizens  of 
God's  kingdom  in  heaven  ;  thither  exalt  your  views  ;  and,  to 
lend  new  interest  to  your  contemplation  of  it,  behold,  in  imagi- 
nation, the  gracious  Redeemer  descending  thence,  to  invest 
you,  according  to  the  promises  of  his  word,  with  a  new  and 
better  tabernacle.  "  It  is  sown  in  corruption,  it  is  raised  in 
incorruption  :  it  is  sown  in  dishonour,  it  is  raised  in  glory  :  it  is 
sown  in  weakness,  it  is  raised  in  power."  "  As  we  have  borne 
the  image  of  the  earthy,  we  shall  also  bear  the  image  of  the 
heavenly."  "  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  O  grave,  where  is 
thy  victory?"  "  Thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  !"t 

The  reference  thus  made  by  the  Apostle  to  the  animating 
doctrine  of  the  resurrection  of  the  body,  affords  him  good 
ground  for  urging  upon  the  Philippians,  with  earnestness  and 
affection,  the  duty  of  perseverance  m  the  love  of  Christ. 
This  admonition  forms  the  commencing  verse  of  the  Fourth 
Chapter  ;  and  is  thus  feelingly  expressed.  "  Therefore,  my 
brethren  dearly  beloved  and  longed  for,  my  joy  and  crown,  so 
stand  fast  in  the  Lord,  my  dearly  beloved  :"  that  is  to  say ;  If 
it  is  to  such  a  recompense  that  the  gospel  of  Jesus  permits  you 
to  aspire,  labor,  through  divine  grace,  to  be  preserved  firm  in 

*  Rev.  vii.  16. 17.        t  Rev.  xiv.  13.        1 1.  Cor.  xv.  42.  43.  49.  55.  57. 


CIIAP.  III.  20.  21.  IV.  1-3.]    EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  JQQ 

your  attachment  to  that  way  of  eternal  salvation,  to  which  you 
have  thus  far  adhered  with  faith  and  love.  I  might  apply  to 
yourselves,  my  Christian  brethren,  the  exhortation  here  given 
by  St.  Paul  to  his  children  at  Philippi ;  and  might  ask  you 
how  it  can  be  possible,  that,  with  such  motives  to  take  God  for 
your  exclusive  portion,  and  to  renounce  every  inferior  object, 
any  of  you  should  still  be  divided,  in  base  neutrality,  between 
Christ  and  the  world  ;  be  so  little  alive  to  the  superior  blessed- 
ness and  importance  of  the  believer's  privileges  ;  and  not  rather 
labor,  with  single  eye,  after  the  attainment  of  those  precious 
promises,  which  the  religion  of  Jesus  discloses  ?  Permit  me, 
however,  to  direct  you  principally  to  one  idea,  which  is  unfold- 
ed in  the  words  before  us ;  that  of  the  tenderness  with  which 
the  faithful  ministers  of  Christ  contemplate  those,  among 
whom,  by  the  appointment  of  a  gracious  Providence,  they  are 
placed  as  spiritual  shepherds  and  guides. 

Turn  your  eye  once  more  to  the  expressions  of  St.  Paul. 
He  styles  the  Philippians  his  "  joy  :"  intimating,  that  to  see 
them  walking  by  faith  in  an  unseen  Saviour ;  denying  them- 
selves ;  resisting  the  temptations  of  a  vain  world  ;  taking  up 
their  cross ;  and  following  Jesus ;  w^as  the  great  source  of  his 
happiness,  while  journeying  through  this  present  state  to  the 
kingdom  of  heaven.  The  feelings  of  the  Apostle,  my  breth- 
ren, represent  those  which  animate  the  heart  of  every  minis- 
tering servant  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  is  filled  with  the 
spirit  of  his  office.  The  pleasure  of  beholding  the  increase  of 
real  religion,  in  the  midst  of  that  people  for  whom  he  labors 
in  the  gospel,  renders  every  earthly  source  of  gratification 
worthless  in  his  esteem :  as,  on  the  other  hand,  to  be  deprived 
of  this  satisfaction,  and  find  the  power  of  Christianity  declin- 


•200  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XV. 

ing ;  pride,  frivolity,  and  vvorldly-mindediiess  gaining  the 
ascendancy ;  and  "  the  love  of  many  waxing  cold  ;"*  casts  a 
gloom  over  his  happiest  hours,  and  makes  him,  through  the 
succession  of  months  and  years,  '  slight  the  season  and  the 
scene.'  But  St.  Paul  also  gives  to  these  believers  of  Philippi 
the  name  of  his  "  crown  :"  evidently  meaning  to  express  the 
gladness  with  which  he  looked  forward  to  the  hour,  when  his 
faithful  people  should,  at  the  judgment-seat  of  Christ,  stand 
forth  as  the  evidences  of  his  labors  ;  and  as  proofs  that  he  was 
worthy,  through  Christ,  of  that  blessed  recompense,  which 
the  Lord  shall  assign  to  his  diligent  servants.  In  this  feeUng, 
likewise,  the  ambassadors  of  salvation  to  a  guilty  world 
largely  participate ;  and  I  may  here  very  properly  pause,  for  a 
moment,  to  offer  a  passing  tribute  to  that  infinite  mercy, 
which  has  thus  provided,  for  the  minister  of  Christ,  an  effect- 
ual barrier  against  the  allurements  of  the  world,  and  an  abiding 
comfort  amidst  its  reproaches  and  its  frowns.  What  power 
have  the  empty  pleasures,  and  the  seducing  honors  of  this 
life,  for  that  herald  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  who  beholds  the  objects 
of  his  labors  increasing  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ,  and  pro- 
ceeding onward  to  a  kingdom  in  the  skies  ;  and  who  antici- 
pates, through  his  Master's  acceptance  of  these  signs  of  his 
faithfulness,  an  everlasting  enjoyment  of  the  Saviour's  pre- 
sence ?  And  let  us  view  the  minister  of  truth,  amidst  the  perse- 
cutions and  trials  of  his  career.  By  some  his  exhibitions  of 
gospel  doctrine  and  precepts  are  contemptuously  reviled ; 
others  turn  with  indifference  from  his  message ;  and,  in  this 
way,  the  larger  portion  of  those  to  whom  his  efforts  are 
directed  yield  no  fruit  to  gladden  him  in  return.     But,  under 

*  Matt.  xxiv.  12, 


CHAP.  HI.  20.  21.  IV.  1—3.)     EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  201 

these  necessary  endurances  of  his  vocation,  he  can  still  lift  up 
his  head  with  transport.  While  the  malignant  oppose,  and 
the  lukewarm  are  unimpressed,  the  gracious  Head  of  the 
church  vouchsafes  to  him  some  spiritual  children.  In  these 
he  rejoices  with  joy  unspeakable:  he  regards  them  as  more  than 
a  counterbalance  for  all  his  tribulations :  and  hails  their  Chris- 
tian graces  as  the  pledge  of  his  own  future  participation  in  the 
promise,  "  They  that  be  wise  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of 
the  firmament ;  and  they  that  turn  many  to  righteousness  as 
the  stars  for  ever  and  ever."*  Such  is  the  privilege  of  God's 
ministering  servants.  They  turn  an  eye  of  rapture  to  the 
people  of  their  love  and  their  care ;  and,  as  they  behold  them, 
utter  the  exclamation,  "  What  is  our  hope,  or  joy,  or  crown 
of  rejoicing  ?  Are  not  even  ye  in  the  presence  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  at  his  coming  ?  For  ye  are  our  glory  and  joy."t 
St.  Paul  adds,  in  the  next  verse,  another  admonition, 
founded  upon  the  same  animating  prospect  of  a  future  resur- 
rection to  glory.  "  I  beseech,"  says  he,  "  Euodias,  and  beseech 
Syntyche,  that  they  be  of  the  same  mind  in  the  Lord."  He 
here  addresses  an  exhortation  to  two  women  of  Philippi ; 
who,  from  the  account  given  of  them  in  the  following  verse, 
appear  to  have  been  distinguished  for  their  assiduous  exertions 
in  the  cause  of  Christ  Jesus.  Nothing  farther  is  related  con- 
cerning them,  in  the  pages  of  the  New  Testament  history ; 
but,  from  the  advice  given  them,  in  the  language  before  us, 
to  cultivate  a  spirit  of  Christian  unanimity,  it  seems  that, 
from  some  cause  or  other  which  has  not  reached  our  ears,  an 
unhappy  disagreement  between  them  had  arisen.  In  view  of 
those  glorious  prospects  to  which  he  had  just  invited  tiieir 

*  Dan.  xu.  3.  t  I.  Thesa.  ii.  19.  20. 


26 


202  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XV- 

attention,  St.  Paul  urges  tliem  to  mutual  forbearance,  and  to 
a  speedy  accommodation  of  their  difficulties  ;  representing,  as  it 
were,  the  inconsistency  of  the  circumstance,  that  two  persons 
who  expected  to  rise,  by  the  same  omnipotent  word,  from  the 
grave,  and  be  conducted  with  new  bodies  to  the  same  man- 
sion in  heaven,  should  here  be  separated  in  feeling  by  any 
petty  ground  of  contention.  The  inspired  Apostle  of  the 
Gentiles  here  appears,  therefore,  in  the  amiable  and  attractive 
character  of  a  "peace-maker  ;"*  but  it  is  not  so  much  to  him- 
self personally,  as  to  the  subject  of  his  affectionate  counsel, 
that  I  would  briefly  call  your  meditations.  Is  it  not  with 
peculiar  force,  my  brethren,  that  he  sets  forth  the  duty  of  a 
charitable  and  kindly  feeling,  between  those  who  are  pro- 
fessors of  the  benignafit  religion  of  Jesus  Christ.  It  not 
unfrequently  happens,  in  the  daily  intercourse  of  the  world, 
that  some  trifling  occurrence  excites,  within  the  heart  of  a 
believer,  an  unpleasant  sensation  towards  a  Christian  brother  ; 
and  he  is  apt  to  cherish,  ever  afterwards,  a  secret  feeling  of 
dislike  for  his  person.  You  can  all  tear  witness,  also,  that 
you  are  the  subjects  of  prepossessions  against  particular  indi- 
viduals, who  bear  the  name  of  Christ ;  and  that  you  permit 
any  defect  or  error  in  the  conduct  of  certain  disciples  of  the 
Redeemer,  to  create  within  you  a  deep  antipathy  through  life. 
Now,  if  the  religion  of  the  gospel  be  one  of  peace,  and  gen- 
tleness, and  love — if  the  present  advice  of  the  Apostle  be  an 
infallible  rule  of  conduct — if  all  the  doctrines,  and  all  the 
precepts,  and  all  the  expected  privileges,  unfolded  in  the 
word  of  tiuth,  militate,  with  one  accord,  against  a  temper 
such  as  this ;  does  it  not  become  the  servants  of  God  to  put 

*  Matt.  V.  9. 


CHAP.  III.  20  21.  IV.  1—3.]     EPlSTLt;  TO  THE  PHII-IPPIAN!?.  203 

away  from  them,  by  the  grace  of  Christ,  every  remnant  of  it 
from  their  hearts  ?  The  spirit  of  which  you  have  been  pos- 
sessed is  from  beneath,  and  not  from  above  ;  it  is  one  of  the 
fruits  of  the  unconverted  man  ;  it  confounds  you,  in  appear- 
ance, with  those  who,  in  the  world  around,  are  still  "  alienated 
from  the  life  of  God  through  the  ignorance  that  is  in  them."* 
"  Put  on  therefore,  as  the  elect  of  God,  holy  and  beloved, 
bowels  of  mercies,  kindness,  humbleness  of  mind,  meekness, 
long-suffering ;  forbearing  one  another,  and  forgiving  one 
another,  if  any  man  have  a  quarrel  against  any :  even  as 
Christ  forgave  you,  so  also  do  ye."t 

Having  thus  exhorted  tiiese  women  of  Philippi  to  a  sincere 
and  lasting  reconciUation,  St.  Paul  passes  to  another  admoni- 
tion in  the  verse  which  immediately  follows.  "  And  I  entreat 
thee  also,  true  yoke-fellow,  help  those  women  which  laboured 
with  me  in  the  gospel,  with  Clement  also,  and  with  other  my 
fellow-labourers,  whose  names  are  in  the  book  of  hfe."  To 
what  person  he  referred,  in  the  term  "yoke-fellow"  which  is  here 
used,  we  have  no  certain  information.  By  some  it  has  been  sup- 
posed, that  he  meant  the  husband  of  one  of  these  two  persons 
whom  he  is  directed  to  assist  in  their  useful  exertions ;  others 
think  him  to  have  been  some  distinguished  minister  of  Christ, 
whose  character,  and  past  services,  superseded  the  necessity  of 
his  being  more  particularly  mentioned.  However  this  may  be, 
the  Apostle  counsels  him  to  use  his  best  efforts  in  bringing 
Euodias  and  Syntyche  to  a  settlement  of  their  differences ; 
and  also  to  encourage  them  in  their  excellent  labors  for  the 
diffusion  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ. 

It  appears,  from  the  testimony  of  St.  Paul  in  the  place 
*  Eph.  iv.  18.  t  Col.  iii.  12. 13. 


204  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XV. 

before  us,  that  these  two  women  had  been  remarkable  for  their 
activity  in  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer ;  and  that,  in  the  face  of 
persecution  and  danger,  they  had  strengthened  the  hands,  and 
assisted  the  efforts,  of  those  ministering  servants  of  Jesus,  who 
had  preached  the  gospel  at  Philippi.  As  women  of  such  a 
character,  and  such  a  spirit,  they  stand  forth,  my  brethren,  on 
the  pages  of  the  word  of  God,  bright  and  shining  examples  of 
female  devotion  to  the  gospel  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  If 
there  be  any  sphere  in  which  woman  shines  with  true  lustre, 
it  is  when  her  heart,  touched  by  the  grace  of  God,  impels  her 
to  consecrate  her  time,  her  talents,  and  her  resources,  to  the 
service  of  her  once  crucified  and  now  risen  Master.  To  all  in 
this  assembly,  then,  to  whom  the  subject  applies,  permit  me 
to  hold  forth  the  model  here  presented ;  and  to  urge  upon  you, 
as  Christians,  the  duty  of  acting  as  these  primitive  disciples 
acted  in  a  similar  situation.  You  are  enjoying  the  ministra- 
tions of  the  sanctuary  of  God.  For  us,  then,  who  here  preach 
to  you  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ,  and  lead  you  to  hap- 
piness and  heaven,  pray  in  the  secresy  of  your  retirement ; 
and,  while  you  remember  the  difficulties  of  our  warfare,  en- 
treat that  the  Holy  Spirit  from  on  high  would  awaken  the 
careless,  humble  the  proud,  undeceive  the  worldly,  and  enlarge 
the  blessed  dominion  of  the  Prince  of  peace.  You  fill  a  sta- 
tion in  your  families,  by  God's  appointment.  Seek,  then,  to 
fulfil  its  duties :  strive  that  there  the  Father  may  be  reverenced ; 
the  Redeemer  of  sinners  loved  and  honored  ;  and  the  will  of 
the  Lord  done  on  earth,  even  as  it  is  done  in  heaven.  You 
are  cast  by  divine  Providence  into  the  midst  of  a  world, 
abounding  in  spiritual  ignorance,  and  in  temporal  woe.  Strive 
to  alleviate  its  misery :   "  visit  the  fatherless  and  widows  in 


CHAP.  III.  iW.  2i.  IV.  1-3.1       EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  205 

their  affliction  :"*  and,  according  to  the  measure  of  those  means 
with  which  God  has  blessed  you,  help  forward  the  extension 
of  the  Saviour's  gospel  to  the  uttermost  corners  of  the  earth. 
Such  is  the  course,  by  which  you  may  follow  in  the  steps  of 
those  excellent  servants  of  the  Lord,  whose  Christian  virtues 
are  here  so  gratefully  commemorated.  It  is  your  proper  and 
legitimate  career.  Blessed  are  those  among  you,  who  are 
found  so  doing :  and  it  shall  be  yours  one  day  to  realize,  in  all 
its  glory,  that  promise  of  your  Lord ;  "  Mary  hath  chosen 
that  good  part,  which  shall  not  be  taken  away  from  her."t 

*  James,  i.  27.  t  Luke,  x.  42. 


206  LECTURES  ON  THE 


LECTURE    XV  L 


CHAPTER  IV.  4—9. 

Rejoice  in  the  Lord  always:  and  again  I  say,  Rejoice.  Let 
your  moderation  be  known  unto  all  men.  The  Lord  is  at 
hand.  Be  careful  for  nothing ;  hut  in  every  thing  by  prayer 
and  supplication  with  thanksgiving,  let  your  requests  be  made 
known  unto  God.  And  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all 
understanding,  shall  keep  your  hearts  and  minds  through 
Christ  Jesus.  Finally,  brethren,  whatsoever  things  are  true, 
whatsoever  things  are  honest,  whatsoever  things  are  just, 
whatsoever  things  are  pure,  whatsoever  things  are  lovely, 
whatsoever  things  are  of  good  report ;  if  there  be  any  virtue, 
and  if  there  be  any  praise,  think  on  these  things.  Those 
things,  which  ye  have  both  learned,' and  received,  and  heard, 
and  seen  in  me,  do :  and  the  God  of  peace  shall  be  with  you. 

There  is  something  quite  affecting  in  the  several  parting 
admonitions,  given  by  St.  Paul  in  this  concluding  Chapter  of 
his  Epistle.  He  writes  to  his  absent  friends  precisely  like  a 
person,  who  is  uttering  what  he  thinks  may  probably  be  his  last 
advice ;  and  who  therefore  deems  it  necessary  to  express  him- 
self, with  decision  and  with  feeling,  upon  those  subjects  which 
are  of  highest  importance.     He  was,  at  this  time,  in  a  situa- 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  207 

tion,  which  rendered  his  long  continuance  in  Hfe  altogether  un- 
certain :  though,  as  we  have  seen  in  a  former  part  of  the  present 
course  of  Lectures,  he  entertained  a  reasonable  persuasion  of 
deliverance  from  his  sufferings  and  dangers.*  Impressed  by 
the  solemn  consideration,  that  he  might  never  be  favored  with 
another  opportunity  of  addressing  the  Philippians,  on  the 
things  which  concerned  their  salvation,  he  transmits  to  them 
some  precepts  of  great  value.  These  lessons  of  Christian 
wisdom  let  us  now  consider  for  our  instruction. 

Upon  the  first  admonition  here  given  by  the  Apostle,  it  will 
not  be  necessary  to  dwell.  It  is  thus  expressed  :  "  Rejoice  in 
the  Lord  always  :  and  again  I  say.  Rejoice."  He  intends,  in 
these  words,  to  enjoin  that  duty  of  looking  to  Christ  alone  for 
salvation,  and  of  finding,  in  his  precious  sacrifice,  an  allevia- 
tion for  all  the  sorrows  of  life,  which  he  had  enforced  in  former 
parts  of  the  Epistle.  This  topic  was  fully  considered,  in  the 
illustration  of  the  commencing  verses  of  the  Third  Chapter  ; 
and  St.  Paul  now  repeats  the  exhortation  as  if  for  the  purpose 
of  expressing,  again  and  again,  the  impropriety  of  any  other 
than  a  contented  and  cheerful  spirit,  while  united  to  a  Saviour 
so  sufficient  and  divine. — I  pass  on,  therefore,  to 

The  second  exhortation,  addressed  by  the  Apostle  to  his 
believing  brethren.  It  inculcates  a  chastised  and  sober  enjoy- 
ment of  the  blessings  of  the  j)rese7it  life.  "  Let  your  mo- 
deration," he  says,  "  be  known  unto  all  men."  The  word 
rendered  "  moderation,"  denotes  here,  among  other  things,  that 
well-balanced  and  equable  mind,  which  is  not  carried  away 
by  excessive  attachment  for  temporal  things  ;  but,  seeing  their 
worthlessness  and  brevity,  and  raised  to  the  supreme  love  of 

*  See  Lecluic  V. 


208  LBCTUllES  ON  TUli  [LECT.  XVI. 

Christ  and  heaven,  looks  upon  the  objects  of  this  lower  world 
with  holy  indifference.  Considered  in  this  view,  the  advice  of 
the  Apostle  corresponds  with  that  which  he  has  given  to  the 
Corinthians,  that  "  they  that  buy "  should  be  "  as  though 
they  possessed  not  ;"*  with  his  precept  to  the  Christians  of  Co- 
losse,  "  Set  your  affection  on  things  above,  not  on  things  on 
the  earth  ;"t  and  also  with  that  spiritual  injunction  delivered 
by  St.  John,  "  Love  not  the  world,  neither  the  things  that  are 
in  the  world."!  You  perceive,  also,  that  St.  Paul  declares  a 
very  beneficial  result,  which  will  spring  from  the  exhibition  of 
this  heavenly  mind  by  the  disciples  of  Christ.  He  exhorts 
them  to  "  let  it  be  known  unto  all  men ;"  implying  in  these 
words,  that  those,  in  the  surrounding  community,  who  have 
not  yet  embraced  the  gospel,  when  they  behold  the  Christian 
possessing,  with  a  sober  and  tempered  affection,  the  blessings 
of  a  gracious  Providence,  are  led  to  believe  in  the  divine  power 
of  a  religion,  which  can  thus  crucify  the  world  to  him,  and 
him  unto  the  world. 

Now  this  spirit,  my  brethren,  in  virtue  of  which  the  believer 
thankfully  receives  the  bounties  of  his  heavenly  Father,  and 
yet  lives  with  his  affections  continually  loosened  from  them,  is 
the  result  of  an  inward  and  thorough  change  of  heart,  by  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Ghost  from  on  high.  That  divine  Illumi- 
nator takes  off  from  the  things  of  life  their  delusive  appear- 
ance, and  shews  them  to  the  servant  of  God  as  what  they 
really  are ;  exposes  their  momentary  character ;  lifts  his  heart 
to  a  "  better  substance  ;"§  and  leads  him  to  Christ  as  his  chief 
good,  and  his  portion  for  ever.  If  you  look,  therefore,  at  the 
course  of  the  men  of  this  world,  upon  whom  these  converting 

■"  I.  Cor,  vii.  30.         i  Col.  ui.  2.         t  I.  Johu,  ii.  15.         §  Heb,  x.  34. 


CHAP.  IV.  4—9.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  209 

influences  have  never  been  exerted,  you  find  them  enjoying, 
in  an  exactly  opposite  manner,  the  privileges  which  God  scat- 
ters on  their  path.  Have  they  health  ?  They  vainly  imagine 
that  their  sun  shall  never  go  down  ;  and  turn  not  a  thought 
to  the  grave— to  a  world  beyond  it — and  to  all  the  solemn 
realities  of  a  judgment  to  come.  Are  they  blest  with  abun- 
dance ?  Instead  of  looking  upon  wealth  as  that  from  which 
they  must  soon  be  separated,  they  fix  their  love  upon  it ;  they 
become  absorbed  in  the  increase  of  their  riches  ;  and  heaven, 
with  all  its  infinite  treasures,  is  banished  from  their  recollec- 
tion. All  that  they  have,  they  accustom  themselves  to  regard 
as  permanent ;  and  thus  what  was  intended  for  sober  use,  is 
the  object  of  a  blind  and  excessive  attachment.  My  believing 
hearers,  you  are  ready  to  condemn  this  inordinate  affection  for 
visible  things  :  and  yet  what  is  the  fact,  permit  me  to  inquire, 
in  regard  to  yourselves  ?  Are  you^  while  surrounded  with  the 
comforts  and  the  possessions  of  life,  realizing  the  frail  tenure 
by  which  you  hold  them?  Do  you  feel  that  this  is  not  your 
rest  ?  Do  you  continually  see,  in  your  imagination,  the  earth 
"  receding  and  disappearing,"  and  eternity,  with  all  its  won- 
drous disclosures,  opening  upon  your  vision  ?  This  is  the  spi- 
rit which  must  distinguish  you,  if  you  would  be  deemed  con- 
sistent Christians.  Whatever  blessings  you  possess,  set  not 
your  hearts  upon  them  :  "  lay  up  for  yourselves  treasures  in 
heaven,  where  neither  moth  nor  rust  doth  corrupt,  and  where 
thieves  do  not  break  through  nor  steal."* 

The  injunction  thus  given  by  St.  Paul,  respecting  a  mode- 
rated regard  for  the  things  of  life,  he  strengthens,  as  you  per- 
ceive, by  a  fiiotivc  of  great  solemnity.     "  The  Lord,"  says  he, 

*  Matt.  vi.  20. 
27 


210  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XVI. 

"  is  at  hand :"  in  other  words — It  should  tend  to  shew  you  the 
insignificance  of  every  temporal  enjoyment,  that  the  Redeemer 
of  mankind  will  soon  appear,  amidst  the  clouds  of  heaven,  to 
wind  up  the  scene ;  and  to  put  an  eternal  conclusion  to  all 
that  now  engages  the  afiections  of  the  creature,  and  is  the  ob- 
ject of  his  warm  pursuit.  This  advent  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  to  judgment  is  set  forth,  in  several  places  of  the  New 
Testament  Epistles,  as  an  inducement  not  only  to  a  chastened 
regard  for  present  objects,  but  to  other  virtues  of  the  divine 
life.  "  The  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand :  be  ye  therefore 
sober,  and  watch  unto  prayer."*  "  Seeing  then  that  all  these 
things  shall  be  dissolved,  what  manner  of  persons  ought  ye  to 
be  in  all  holy  conversation  and  godliness."!  "  Not  forsaking 
the  assembUng  of  ourselves  together,  as  the  manner  of  some 
is ;  but  exhorting  one  another  :  and  so  much  the  more,  as  ye 
see  the  day  approacbing."t  This  coming  of  Christ  may  be 
considered  as  virtually  the  same  with  the  hour  of  death  ;  be- 
cause that  decisive  event  finishes,  for  ever,  the  pursuits,  plea- 
sures, and  concerns,  of  this  world  below  the  skies.  To  the 
consideration,  then,  which  is  thus  held  forth  by  the  Apostle,  I 
would  for  a  moment  lead  your  thoughts ;  and  would  observe 
to  you,  my  dear  brethren,  that  the  reflection  how  swiftly  that 
period  is  approaching,  when  every  sublunary  object  shall  be 
extinguished,  is  calculated  not  merely  to  lessen  your  estimate 
of  temporal  blessings,  but  to  yield  unspeakable  consolation 
under  their  loss.  Are  there  any  among  those  who  hear  me 
this  day,  the  gourd  of  whose  worldly  happiness  has  been 
withered,  like  Jonah's,  in  an  hour  ?  Has  your  property  dwin- 
dled into  nothing  ?     Have  your  earthly  comforts  dropped  off', 

*  I.  Pet.  IV.  7.  t  II.  Pet.  111.  11.  t  Heb.  x.  25. 


CHAP.  IV.  4-9.J  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS,  211 

like  autumnal  leaves,  and  "  left  you  naked  and  bare  ?"* 
What  of  all  this  ?  These  good  things,  with  the  longest  pos- 
sible enjoyment  of  them,  are  but  the  delights  of  a  day :  the 
Lord  himself  shall  speedily  descend  to  terminate  them,  "  with 
the  voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with  the  trump  of  God  :"  and, 
under  tiiis  consideration,  you  may  "  take  joyfully  the  spoiling 
of  your  goods,"!  and  be  comparatively  careless  how  soon  you 
are  parted  from  that  which  is  so  fleeting  in  its  duration.  This, 
amidst  the  privations  of  the  world,  is  the  Christian's  privilege  ; 
and  it  is  thus  touchingly  described  in  the  fine  language  of 
Mr.  Wilberforce.  "  The  fruits  which  he  sees  by  the  way-side 
he  gathers  with  caution  ;  he  drinks  of  the  streams  with  mode- 
ration ;  he  is  thankful  when  the  sun  shines,  and  his  way  is 
pleasant ;  but  if  it  be  rough  and  rainy,  he  cares  not  much ; 
he  is  but  a  traveller.  He  is  prepared  for  vicissitudes ;  he 
knows  that  he  must  expect  to  meet  with  them  in  the  stormy 
and  uncertain  climate  of  this  world.  But  he  is  travelling  to 
'  a  better  country,'  a  country  of  unclouded  light,  and  undis- 
turbed serenity."! 

I  proceed  to  the  third  precept,  here  enjoined  by  St.  Paul 
upon  the  followers  of  Christ,  It  cautions  them  against  im- 
2)roper  anxiety,  in  regard  to  the  events  and  concerns  of  the 
2)rcse?it  life.  "  Be  careful  for  nothing ;"  that  is,  let  not  your 
temporal  condition — your  future  lot — or  that  of  those  in  whom 
you  are  interested — be  a  subject  of  painful  sohcitude  ;  "  but  in 
every  thing  by  prayer  and  supplication,  with  thanksgiving,  let 
your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God."  It  is  impossible 
not  to  be  reminded,  by  these  words,  of  that  similar  precept  de- 
livered by  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself.     "  Therefore  take 

*  Ezek.  xvi.  39.        t  Heb.  x.  34.        t  Practical  View.  Ch.  rv.  Sect.  5. 


2J2  LECTURES   ON  THE  [LECT.  XVI. 

no  thought,  saying.  What  shall  we  eat  ?  or,  what  shall  we 
chink  ?  or,  wherewithal  shall  we  be  clothed  ?  for  your  heavenly 
Father  knoweth  that  ye  have  need  of  all  these  things."*     The 
duty,  then,  it  appears,  which  the  Apostle  here  urges  upon  the 
renewed  believer,  is  that  of  entrusting  all  the  circumstances  of 
life  to  the  Almighty's  faithful  and  holy  keeping  ;  and,  instead 
of  being  filled  with  restless  apprehension,  to  carry  every  bur- 
den, with  implicit  and  grateful  confidence,  to  the  throne  of 
divine  compassion.     To  those,  my  Christian  friends,  who  by 
faith  have  tasted  a  Saviour's  love,  and  have  long  known  him 
as   the  kind  Shepherd  of  his  people,  this  dissuasive  against 
anxious  fears  might  be  considered  as  entirely  unnecessary  ; 
did  you  not  feel,  by  painful  experience,  how  deeply  the  unbe- 
lieving and  corrupt  heart  stands  in  need  of  line  upon  line,  and 
precept  upon  precept,  in  regard  to  the  plainest  duties  of  the 
heavenly  life.     Let  us  take  a  few  examples,  for  the  purpose  of 
illustration.     You  are  laboring,  with  every  day's  recurrence,  in 
the  pursuit  of  the  bread  of  subsistence.     But  you  are  ready  to 
confess,  that,  though  a  believer  in  the  guardianship  of  your 
reconciled  Father  in  Christ,  you  are  perpetually  harassed  about 
the  morrow  ;   and,  so  far  from  "  committing  your  way  unto" 
Him,  in  the  certainty  that  "  he  shall  bring  it  to  pass,"t  are  as 
full  of  doubts  and  terrors,  as  if  you  had  blotted  out  the  provi- 
dence of  God  from  among  the  articles  of  your  faith.     You  are 
training  up  a  family  for  future  usefulness  and  respectability  in 
life.     But  with   these   endeavors   how  much  of  unbelief  is 
mingled!    how    much   of    fretting    and    anxious    thought! 
how   little  of   that  spirit  which  marked  the  parents  of  the 
infant  Moses ;  and  through  which  you  can  calmly  cast  those 

+  Matt.  vi.  31.  32.  t  Ps.  xxxvii.  5. 


CHAP.  IV.  4-9.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIAN:^.  213 

you  love  upon  the  great  waters  of  the  world,  and  send  up  your 
petitions  to  heaven  for  their  safety  !  Such  is  the  inconsistent 
course  of  many  that  profess  and  call  themselves  Christians ; 
and  the  Apostle  has  indirectly  asserted  its  great  wickedness, 
when  he  enjoins,  in  the  words  before  us,  the  duty  of  mingling 
with  your  prayers  "  thanksgiving"  for  past  mercies.  It  is  as 
if  he  had  said  ;  With  so  many  former  acts  of  divine  care  to  call 
to  remembrance,  how  can  you,  without  the  deepest  ingratitude, 
distrust  your  Lord  for  days  to  come ;  and  not  rather  feel  the 
sweet  conviction,  that  his  dealings  toward  you,  in  every  future 
period,  will  be  mercy,  faithfulness,  and  truth  ?  The  admoni- 
tion under  review,  therefore,  may  be  thus  expressed.  Use  the 
means  which  are  within  your  power  :  pray  to  the  Lord  God 
Almighty  for  a  blessing  upon  them :  and  then,  in  patience 
and  hope,  "  cast  all  your  care  upon  him  ;  for  he  careth  for 
you."* 

It  is  the  blessedness  of  the  precious  volume  of  life,  that  it  so 
delightfully  connects  with  exhortations  to  duty,  promises  of 
reward  to  faithful  performance.  The  Apostle  has  illustra- 
ted this  feature  of  God's  word,  in  the  verse  which  follows  ; 
wherein  he  states  the  hapinness,  flowing  from  this  habitual 
reference  of  every  concern  to  the  almighty  Disposer.  "And 
the  peace  of  God,"  he  declares,  "  which  passeth  all  understand- 
ing, shall  keep  your  hearts  and  minds  through  Christ  Jesus." 
By  the  "  peace"  of  which  St.  Paul  here  speaks,  he  means  a 
secret  rest  and  tranquillity  ;  a  settled  confidence  in  the  divine 
favor  and  protection  ;  a  serene  certainty,  that  all  things,  being 
in  the  Lord's  hands,  shall  "work  together  for  good."t  You  ob- 
serve that  he  terms  this  feeling  one  "which  passeth  all  under- 

*  I.  Pet.  V.  7.  t  Rom.  viii.  28. 


214  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XVI. 

Standing ;"  and  he  intends  thereby  to  say,  that  not  only,  being 
the  consequence  of  regular  communion  with  God  by  prayer, 
is  it  totally  unknown  by  the  man  of  the  world,  but  that  even 
by  the  believer  himself  it  can  never  be  adequately  estimated 
or  expressed.  When  the  Apostle  says  that  this  solid  reliance 
upon  their  heavenly  Father  "  shall  keep  the  hearts  and  minds" 
of  real  believers,  he  borrows  a  term  from  military  affairs ;  and 
assures  you,  that,  as  soldiers  guard  a  city,  and  defend  it  against 
every  enemy,  so  the  sense  of  security,  thus  vouchsafed  to  the 
Christian,  preserves  him  firm  against  every  harassing  fear — 
every  doubt  as  to  the  future — every  disposition  to  look  with 
apprehension  to  the  coming  destiny,  either  of  himself,  or  of 
those  for  whom  he  is  interested. — It  is  thus,  my  brethren,  that 
that  course  of  the  servant  of  God,  by  which  he  presents  all  his 
various  concerns  and  interests  at  the  footstool  of  his  almighty 
Governor,  is  its  own  sure  and  blessed  recompense  ;  and  perhaps 
there  are  some  now  before  me  who  can  testify,  from  their  own 
experience,  to  the  divine  and  unspeakable  consolation  which  it 
has  yielded  into  their  hearts.  In  all  the  difficulties  and  the 
trials  of  life,  you  have  "  lifted  up  your  eyes  unto  the  hills  from 
whence  cometh  your  help  :"*  you  have  lived  in  the  continual 
exercise  of  prayer  :  and,  in  return  for  this  regular,  hourly  habit 
of  throwing  all  your  burdens  upon  the  Lord,  he  has  taken  off' 
the  weight  from  your  spirit ;  your  anxieties  have  ceased  ;  and 
you  have  been  enabled  to  wait,  with  cheerful  confidence,  for 
the  development  of  events.  If  tliis  be,  indeed,  then,  the  happy 
result  of  your  compliance  with  the  injunction  of  the  Apostle, 
proceed,  through  divine  grace,  in  the  same  path  of  filial  suppli- 
cation ;  and  reap,  in  all  its  glorious  fulness,  that  promise  of 

♦  Ps.  cxxi.  1. 


CHAP.  IV.  4-9.1  EPISTLli  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  215 

the  word  of  life  :  "  Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace, 
whose  mind  is  stayed  on  thee ;  because  he  tiusteth  in  thee."* 

Having  thus  conveyed  to  these  Philippian  believers  the  ad- 
monitions just  considered,  the  Apostle  goes  on  to  deliver  a 
fourth  injunction,  of  a  very  general  and  comprehensive  cha- 
racter. "  Finally,  brethren,"  he  says,  "  whatsoever  things  are 
true,"  that  is,  whatever  resembles  the  faithfulness  so  conspicu- 
ous in  the  divine  character  ;  "  whatsoever  things  are  honest," 
or  grave,  dignified,  and  respectable ;  "  whatsoever  things  are 
just,"  namely,  marked  with  uprightness  and  strict  integrity  ; 
"  whatsoever  things  are  pure,"  that  is,  chaste  and  decent ; 
"  whatsoever  things  are  lovely,"  or,  in  other  words,  amiable  in 
the  sight  of  men,  and  calculated  to  win  their  regard  and 
esteem  ;  "  whatsoever  things  are  of  good  report,"  or  deservedly 
held  in  repute  in  the  community  ;  "  if  there  be  any  virtue,  and 
if  there  be  any  praise,  think  on  these  things  ;"  or,  to  express 
his  meaning  more  clearly  :  if  these  qualities  and  actions  are  at 
all  excellent  and  laudable,  give  them  your  diligent  attention ; 
and  make  it  your  endeavor  to  exhibit  them  to  a  gainsaying 
world,  in  your  daily  walk  and  conversation. 

The  general  idea  contained  in  these  words  of  St.  Paul,  is 
that  of  the  necessary  and  inseparable  connexion  between  a 
believer's  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  fruits  of  a 
holy  life :  and  he  here  seems,  in  effect,  to  say  to  the  converts 
of  Philippi,  that  the  several  graces  now  enumerated  are  the 
only  satisfactory  evidence,  that  a  man  has  been  in  fact,  as 
well  as  in  profession,  "  born  again"  by  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God. 
It  will  be  interesting,  my  brethren,  as  well  as  highly  import- 
ant, to  set  forth,  with   reference  to  the  vaiious  qualities  and 

*  liiaiali,  xxvi.  3. 


216  LECTURES  ON  THE  L^ECT.  XVL 

dispositions  iiere  prescribed,  the  emptiness  of  every  claim  to 
the  title  of  Christ's  disciple,  unless  supported  by  the  confirm- 
ing testimony  of  a  consistent  and  spotless  example.  You 
have  often  seen,  for  instance,  those  in  the  community  around 
you,  who  are  nominally  the  followers  of  a  crucified  Saviour, 
and  the  members  of  his  spiritual  kingdom  ;  but  who,  at  the 
same  time,  in  their  ordinary  transactions  with  their  fellow- 
men,  are  constantly  distinguished  by  duplicity  and  equivoca- 
tion. Can  such  persons  be  pronounced  the  subjects  of  a 
Redeemer's  grace,  and  the  heirs  of  his  glorious  promises  ?  You 
liave  beheld  other  men,  with  the  same  pretensions,  descending 
to  petty  artifices,  and  low  chicanery.  Ought  we,  in  the  judg- 
ment of  the  largest  charity,  to  regard  these  as  the  real  servants 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ?  Again.  You  have  frequently,  in 
the  course  of  your  daily  avocations,  met  with  individuals  call- 
ing themselves  Christians,  who,  while  guilty  of  nothing  grossly 
dishonest,  are,  nevertheless,  ever  on  the  watch  to  take  an  unfair 
advantage ;  and,  in  all  their  dealings,  are  full  of  cunning  and 
deep  design.  Professors  of  the  gospel  such  as  these,  may  we 
not  reasonably  strike  from  the  catalogue  of  sincere  and  hum- 
ble followers  of  the  Son  of  God  ?  But  further.  There  are 
some  who  are  numbered  among  the  Lord's  people,  who 
are  yet  notorious,  in  their  conversation,  for  that  impurity 
which  the  Apostle  has  so  forcibly  styled,  "  filthy  com- 
munication out  of  the  mouth."*  How  are  we  to  allow 
such  to  be  the  disciples  of  that  Master,  who  is  "  holy,  liarm- 
less,  undefiled,  and  separate  from  sinners  ?"t  And  finally. 
You  not  unfrequently  see  those  who  declare  themselves  to  be 
the  friends  of  the  Redeemer,  who,  at  the  same  time,  have  no 

♦  Col.  iii.  8.  +  Heb,  vii.  26. 


CHAP.  IV.  4-9.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  227 

mildness  and  gentleness  in  their  tempers  ;  display  no  benevo- 
lence to  their  suffering  fellow-beings  ;  are  morose,  stern,  and 
selfish ;  and  do  not  come  up  even  to  the  standard  of  this 
world,  in  those  dispositions  which  lend  grace  and  loveliness  to 
the  human  character.  What  are  we  to  say,  my  brethren,  of 
these?  Do  they  not  evince  the  absence  of  that  grace  of 
Christ,  which  softens  the  ruggedness  of  man's  nature  ;  opens 
his  soul  to  every  benignant  and  generous  affection  ;  and  trans- 
forms him  into  the  image  of  that  Saviour,  "  who  his  own  self 
bare  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree  ?"*  The  discordance 
between  such  practice,  and  the  spiritual  faith  of  the  gospel, 
we  cannot  but  acknowledge  :  and  it  was  to  shew  the  futility 
of  this  professed  allegiance  to  Christ,  while  unproductive  of  a 
marked  influence  upon  the  daily  deportment,  that  St.  Paul 
uttered  the  exhortation  before  us.  "  Not  every  one  that  saith 
unto  me.  Lord,  Lord,  shall  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven; 
but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven."t 
"  If  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  his."{ 
"  As  the  body  without  the  spirit  is  dead,  so  faith  without 
works  is  dead  also."§ 

In  the  last  admonition  here  given  by  the  Apostle,  he 
advises  his  Philippian  brethren,  as  he  had  done  in  a  former 
part  of  the  Epistle,  to  cultivate  all  those  graces  and  disposi- 
tions which  had  been  taught  them  by  his  own  lips,  and  exem- 
plified in  his  own  practice.  "  Those  things,"  says  he,  "  which 
ye  have  both  learned,  and  received,  and  heard,  and  seen  in 
me,  do ;"  and  he  then  sets  before  them  the  blessing,  by 
which  such  a  career  would  be  accompanied :  "  and  the  God 
of  peace  shall  be  with  you  ;"  he  shall  comfort  you  with  the 

*  I.  Pet.  ii.  24.        t  Matt.  vii.  21.        t  Koni.  viii.  9.        §  James,  ii.  26. 

28 


218  LECTURED  UN  THt;  [LECT.  XVI. 

sense  of  his  favor  ;  give  you  joy  in  believing ;  and  sustain 
you  with  an  abiding  expectation  of  coming  glory. 

I  need  not  assure  those  who  have  been  conducted,  by 
divine  grace,  into  the  newness  of  the  spiritual  life,  that  to  all 
those  various  qualities  and  affections  which  St.  Paul  exhibited, 
and  which  real  Christians  after  him  manifest,  the  Father  in 
heaven  does,  as  we  are  here  informed,  yield  a  rich  recompense 
of  consolation.  Are  you  filled,  like  the  great  Apostle,  with 
gratitude  of  heart  towards  the  blessed  Author  and  Finisher  of 
your  salvation  ?  You  can  bear  me  witness,  then,  that  in  this 
attachment  you  have  found  your  reward ;  and  that,  in  the 
sweet  consciousness  of  pardoned  sin,  and  of  reconciliation 
with  the  God  whom  you  had  offended,  you  are  now  "  rejoicing 
with  joy  unspeakable,  and  full  of  glory."*  Are  you  acquiesc- 
ing, like  him,  with  patient  submission,  in  the  appointments  of 
a  wise  and  merciful  Providence  ?  Here,  also,  you  have  reaped 
a  harvest  of  spiritual  comfort.  Amidst  the  deprivations  of 
this  world,  you  have  been  uplifted  with  the  prospects  of 
another ;  and,  through  all  varieties  of  experience,  are  stayed 
upon  that  hope  which  is  "  as  an  anchor  of  the  soul,  both  sure 
and  steadfast."!  I  might  illustrate  the  correctness  of  St. 
Paul's  representation,  with  reference  to  all  the  other  graces  of 
the  Christian  calling  :  and  demonstrate,  from  this  union  of 
obedience  with  delight  and  satisfaction,  the  unequalled  feli- 
city of  their  portion,  who  have  renounced  the  world,  taken  up 
their  cross,  and  determined,  through  all  their  days,  to  follow 
Christ  in  the  regeneration.  What  better  encouragement  do 
you  need  1  "  Your  joy  no  man  taketh  from  you."t  "  Godli- 
ness is  profitable  unto  all  things,  having  promise  of  the  life 

♦  I.  Pet.  i.  8.  t  Heb,  vi.  19,  %  John,  xvi.  22. 


CHAP.  IV.  4—9.  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  219 

that  now  is,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come."*  "  Peace  I  leave 
with  you,  my  peace  I  give  unto  you :  not  as  the  world  giveth, 
give  T  unto  you."t  "  All  things  are  yours ;  life,  or  death,  or 
things  present,  or  things  to  come  ;  all  are  yours  ;  and  ye  are 
Christ's  ;  and  Christ  is  God's."! 

*  I.  Tim,  iv.  8.  t  John,  xiv.  27.  1 1.  Cor.  iii.  21—23. 


220  LECTURED  ON  THE 


LECTURE    XVII. 


CHAPTER  IV.  10—16. 

But  I  rejoiced  in  the  Lord  greatly,  that  now  at  the  last  your 
care  of  me  hath  flourished  again ;  wherein  ye  were  also  care- 
ful, but  ye  lacked  opportimity.  Not  that  I  speak  in  respect  of 
want :  for  I  have  learned,  in  whatsoever  state  I  am,  therewith 
to  be  content.  I  know  both  how  to  be  abased,  and  I  know  how 
to  abound :  every  where,  and  in  all  things,  I  am  instructed 
both  to  be  full  and  to  be  hungry,  both  to  abound  and  to  suffer 
need.  1  can  do  all  things  through  Christ  which  strengtheneth 
me.  Notwithstanding,  ye  have  well  done,  that  ye  did  commu- 
nicate with  my  affliction.  Now,  ye  Philippians,  know  also, 
that  in  the  beginning  of  the  gospel,  when  I  departed  from 
Macedonia,  no  church  communicated  with  me  as  concerning 
giving  and  receiving,  but  ye  only.  For  even  in  Thessalonica 
ye  sent  once  and  again  unto  my  necessity. 

It  is,  almost  invariably,  one  of  the  characteristic  features  of  a 
great  mind,  to  be  willing  to  acknowledge  an  obligation  ;  and 
when  this  mind  has  been  touched  by  the  renewing  influences 
of  a  Redeemer's  grace,  the  quality  thus  manifested  in  the  na- 
tural man  shines  still  more  brightly  in  the  disciple  of  Jesus 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  221 

Christ.  And  it  must  be  observedj  that  this  spirit  of  grateful 
simplicity,  by  which  the  heart  is  ready  to  confess  benefits  re- 
ceived, is  very  far  removed  from  groveUing  and  servile  adula- 
tion. It  is  a  meek,  affectionate,  and  thankful  disposition, 
leading  the  believer  to  express,  not  only  without  shame,  but 
with  cheerfulness  and  delight,  the  debt  of  love  which  he  has 
contracted,  through  the  goodness  of  a  fellow-man.  Such  was 
the  noble  feeling  which  impelled  St.  Paul,  before  closing  this 
Epistle  to  the  Christians  of  Philippi,  to  convey  to  them  his 
sense  of  their  remarkable  benevolence  towards  himself.  The 
subject  of  kind  attentions  from  distant  friends,  he  hastens  to 
utter  his  returning  testimony ;  and  takes  pleasure  in  record- 
ing, as  we  have  once  before  seen  him  doing,*  the  attachment 
that  remembered  him  in  his  sorrows,  and  visited  him  with 
seasonable  supplies. 

The  precise  act  of  benevolence  which  the  Apostle  here 
takes  occasion  to  commemorate,  is  the  mission  of  Epaphro- 
ditus  from  Philippi  to  Rome,  with  a  sum  of  money  to  alle- 
viate the  miseries  of  his  imprisonment.  "  But  I  rejoiced,"  he 
says,  "  in  the  Lord  greatly,  that  now  at  the  last  your  care  of 
me  hath  flourished  again,"  or,  has  begun  to  revive  ;  as,  in  the 
season  of  spring,  a  plant  puts  forth  its  buds  again,  after  the 
long  barrenness  of  winter.  And  not  only  does  St.  Paul  thus 
express  his  gratitude  for  the  bounty  of  his  brethren,  but  he 
also  apologizes,  in  the  most  delicate  manner,  for  their  delay  in 
administering  to  his  wants.  "  Wherein,"  he  tells  them,  "  ye 
were  also  careful,  but  ye  lacked  opportunity  :"  it  appears,  there- 
fore, that  though  the  Philippians  had  not,  so  soon  as  might 
have  been  expected,  communicated  aid  to  this  captive  servant 

*  See  Lecture  x. 


222  LKCTIIRESON  THE  [LECT.  XVII. 

of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  it  had  been  because  of  their  inabihty 
either  to  raise  the  necessary  amount,  or  to  find  a  suitable  per- 
son through  whom  to  forward  it  to  the  Roman  capital. 

In  this  expression  of  St.  Paul's  thankfulness  to  those,  who, 
having  had  "  spiritual  things  sown  unto  them  "  by  his  minis- 
try, had  in  return  imparted  to  him  of  their  "  carnal  things,"* 
there  is  one  feature  of  character  displayed,  to  which  I  would 
particularly  lead  your  attention.  You  perceive  that,  in  de- 
claring his  obligations  to  them  for  the  gift  which  they  had 
conferred,  he  uses  this  language ;  "  I  rejoiced  in  the  Lord 
greatly :"  and  it  appears,  from  these  words,  that,  while  he  re- 
cognized the  Philippians  as  the  friends  by  whom  his  wants 
had  been  relieved,  he,  at  the  same  time,  traced  the  benevolent 
spirit  which  had  actuated  them,  and  the  results  by  which  it 
had  been  followed,  primarily  to  the  gracious  providence  of 
his  Creator  and  Redeemer,  The  disposition  of  the  Apostle 
was  to  consider  men  as  but  instruments  in  the  hands  of  God  ; 
and  to  regard  every  benefit  conferred  by  them  as  flowing  from 
Him,  who  is  "  the  author  and  giver  of  all  good  things,"t  The 
tendency  thus  manifested  by  the  renewed  heart  to  ascend 
beyond  secondary  causes,  and  ascribe  all  its  blessings  to  the 
Fountain  of  mercy,  is  exceedingly  worthy  of  your  attention  ; 
because  it  constitutes  one  remarkable  point  of  difTerence  be- 
tween the  real  Christian,  and  the  mere  man  of  the  world. 
There  are  probably  many,  among  those  who  now  hear  me, 
who,  in  various  acts  of  friendship  from  others  which  have 
conduced  to  their  prosperity  and  advantage,  have  never  yet 
discerned  the  interposition  of  the  Lord  God  Almighty  ;  and, 
instead  of  being  supremely  thankful  to  Him  to  whom  gra- 

*  I,  Cor.  ix.  11.  i-  Collect  for  Seventh  Sunday  after  Trinity. 


CUAP.  IV:  10-16]  EPISTLL;  to  the  PIHLIPI'IANS.  *22S 

titude  was   due,   have  expended  all  their   affections   upon 
earthly  and  subordinate  agents.    Divine  grace  leads  to  a  far 
different  train  of  thought  and  feeling.     In  every  instance  of 
human  kindness,  the  believer  sees  the  finger  of  heaven  ;  and, 
acknowledging  the  Lord  as  the  merciful  Disposer,  looks  upon 
all  others  as  nothing  more  than  the  channels,  selected  by  this 
beneficent  Being  for  the  conveyance  of  his  gifts.     How  delight- 
fully is  this  habitual  recognition  of  Providence,  in  the  various 
blessings  of  existence,  exhibited  by  the  saints  of  Scripture ! 
Joseph,  exalted  by  Pharaoh  to  a  station  second  only  to  royalty 
itself,  thus  exclaims  to  his  brethren  ;  "  Haste  ye,  and  go  up  to 
my  father,  and  say  unto  him,  Thus  saith  thy  son  Joseph,  God 
hath  made  me  lord  of  all  Egypt."*     Ezra,  expressing  his  joy 
at  that  decree  of  the  monarch  of  Persia,  by  which  the  chosen 
people  were  permitted  to  return  to  the  land  of  Judah,  in  this 
manner  confesses  the  source  of  their  privileges  ;  "  Blessed  be 
the  Lord  God  of  our  fathers,  which  hath  put  such  a  thing  as 
this  in  the  king's  heart,  to  beautify  the  house  of  the  Lord 
which  is  in  Jerusalem."t     St.  Paul,  consoled  by  the  edifying 
conversation  of  a  Christian  brother,  glorifies  the  Giver  of  all 
good,  and  cries,  "  God,  that  comforteth  those  that  are  cast 
down,  comforted  us  by  the  coming  of  Titus."|:     These  exam- 
ples, combined  with  that  of  the  words  under  consideration, 
speak  an  instructive  lesson.     They  enjoin  upon   you,  my 
brethren,  the  duty  of  being  grateful  to  human  friends,  but 
more  thankful  still  to  the  God  under  whose  suggestions  they 
act ;  and  bid  you,  while  you  honor  and  love  your  eartlily  be- 
nefactors, never  to  forget  that  unseen  and  heavenly  Father, 
"  who  giveth  you  richly  all  things  to  enjoy."§ 

*  Gen.  xlv.  9.        +  Ezra,  vii.  27.         1 11.  Coi .  vii.  6.        5  I.  Tun.  vi,  17. 


224  LECTUKES  ON  THE  iLEOT.  XVII. 

From  this  expression  of  thankfulness  for  the  supply  of  his 
necessities,  it  might  have  been  inferred  by  some,  that  the 
Apostle  had  been  restless  under  the  privations  he  suffered ; 
and  that  the  gifts  conveyed  by  the  Philippian  church  had  sud- 
denly awakened  him  from  a  state  of  gloomy  dejection,  into 
cheerfulness  of  mind.  He  is  anxious  to  guard  against  such 
an  idea,  and  against  the  evil  consequences  to  which  it  might 
lead  ;  and,  accordingly,  declares 

In  the  first  place,  that  he  had  acquired  the  divine  art  of 
acquiescing,  with  entire  willingness,  in  the  appointments  of  an 
almighty  Providence,  whatever  they  might  be.  "  Not  that  I 
speak,"  observes  St,  Paul,  "  in  respect  of  want ;"  that  is,  do 
not  imagine  that,  because  I  rejoice  in  any  mitigation  of  my 
sorrows,  I  therefore  have  been  miserable  beneath  the  condition 
assigned  to  me  :  "  for  I  have  learned,  in  whatsoever  state  1  am, 
therewith  to  be  content."  There  is  something  singularly  de- 
hghtful  to  contemplate,  in  the  example  of  submission  to  the 
divine  dealings  here  exhibited  to  your  view.  Imprisoned,  de- 
prived of  the  common  comforts  of  life,  and,  above  all,  taken 
from  his  accustomed  opportunities  of  usefulness  to  the  church 
and  to  the  world,  he,  nevertheless,  bows  with  meekness  to  the 
dispensation ;  and  is  sustained  by  the  conviction,  that  all  which 
the  Judge  of  the  earth  doeth  must  be  in  justice,  goodness,  and 
mercy.  That  part  of  the  Apostle's  declaration,  however, 
which  is  particularly  worthy  of  study,  is  his  description  of  the 
true  nature  of  this  resigned  spirit,  amidst  all  the  varieties  of 
human  fortune.  He  tells  us,  you  perceive,  that  it  was  a  state 
of  mind  "  learned  "  from  above :  a  principle  of  acquiescence 
produced  by  divine  grace  in  the  heart  of  the  believer ;  and 
leading  him,  on  spiritual  grounds,  to  yield  to  every  arrange- 


CHAP.  IV.  10— 16.)  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  225 

ment  of  infinite  wisdom.  It  is  evident,  therefore,  my  brethren, 
that  Christian  contentment  is  a  feeling  very  different  from 
that  species  of  submission  to  their  destiny,  which  is  so  fre- 
quently displa3'^ed  by  mere  men  of  the  world.  Persons  such 
as  these,  finding  that  there  is  no  escape  from  the  situation  in 
which  Providence  has  placed  them,  sit  down  in  a  sort  of 
stoical  apathy ;  and  resolve,  that,  instead  of  wearing  out  life 
with  useless  repinings,  they  will  bear  with  tranquillity  that 
which  it  is  impossible  to  avoid.  The  quality  portrayed  by  St. 
Paul,  and  which  is  exhibited  by  the  real  servant  of  God,  is  not 
this  compelled  resignation  ;  but  a  principle  of  enlightened 
satisfaction  with  the  appointments  of  heaven,  implanted  by 
the  Holy  Spirit  in  his  soul.  The  joy  thus  experienced  by 
the  renewed  disciple,  amidst  the  sorrows  and  adverse  circum- 
stances of  life,  proceeds  from  several  considerations.  He  feels 
himself  a  sinner  against  God  ;  and,  when  he  examines  his 
own  unworthiness,  he  is  brought  to  the  reflection,  that  even 
the  most  unpromising  condition  to  which  his  heavenly  Father 
can  subject  him,  is  far  superior  to  his  deserts.  Again,  He 
places  before  his  eye  the  loveliness  and  excellence  of  the  divine 
character :  he  feels,  that  what  the  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of 
lords  orders,  however  contrary  to  his  own  wishes,  and  painful 
to  flesh  and  blood,  cannot  be  otherwise  than  perfectly  com- 
passionate, and  perfectly  wise :  and,  with  the  Psalmist,  de- 
lights to  say,  "  The  Lord  reigneth  ;  let  the  earth  rejoice ;  let 
the  multitude  of  isles  be  glad  thereof."*  In  addition  to  these 
two  grounds  of  acquiescence,  he  finds  a  third  in  that  view 
which  he  takes,  by  faith,  of  a  world  of  happiness  to 
come.     He  looks  upward  for  his  home ;   he  is  certain  that 

*  i'e.  xovn.  1. 


2Ji6  MiC  HIRES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XVII. 

here  he  cannot  find  it ;  and,  in  expectation  of  that  rest  which 
God  hath  prepared  for  those  who  love  him,  sustains  cheerfully 
the  bufletings  and  trials  of  his  pilgrimage.  It  is  from  such 
motives,  that  the  Christian,  through  divine  grace,  is  led  to  re- 
ceive with  pleasure  ever}'^  thing  which  the  supreme  Disposer 
ordains ;  and  those  of  you,  my  hearers,  who  are  influenced 
by  the  converting  Spirit  of  God,  will,  under  all  circumstances, 
be  thus  minded.  Your  feeling  will  be  that  of  Eli ;  "  It  is  the 
Lord :  let  him  do  what  seemeth  him  good."*  It  will  be  that 
of  Job  ;  "  Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord."t  It  will  be  that 
of  St.  Paul ;  "  I  have  learned,  in  whatsoever  state  I  am, 
therewith  to  be  content." 

Having  thus,  in  order  to  remove  any  supposition  that  he 
was  discontented  with  his  lot,  declared  his  tranquil  submis- 
sion to  trial,  the  Apostle  proceeds,  secondly,  to  express  the 
same  idea  in  a  more  enlarged  form.  "  I  know,"  he  exclaims, 
"  both  how  to  be  abased,  and  I  know  how  to  abound  :  every 
where,  and  in  all  things,  I  am  instructed  both  to  be  full  and 
to  be  hungry,  both  to  abound  and  to  suffer  need."  The  word 
rendered  "  I  am  instructed,"  is  one  that  was  used  by  the 
Greeks,  in  reference  to  persons  who  were  initiated  into  their 
sacred  mysteries :  and  is  here  beautifully  employed  by  St. 
Paul  to  denote  that  secret  life  of  faith  in  the  soul,  into  which 
the  Christian  has  been  led  by  conversion ;  and  through  which 
he  has  learned  how  to  comport  himself  with  propriety,  under 
every  change  of  outward  circumstances  in  this  present  world. 
Through  this  experimental  acquaintance  with  the  power  of 
religion,  the  Apostle  was  enabled,  as  he  now  informs  us,  to 
pass  unhurt  through  the  temptations  of  humbling  poverty  on 

*  I.  Sam.  iii.  18.  t  Job,  i.  21. 


CHAP.  IV.  10— 16.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  337^ 

the  one  hand,  and  of  comfortable  plenty  on  the  other.  When 
he  was  visited  by  Providence  with  penury,  he  could  abstain 
from  repinings,  and  from  hard  thoughts  of  God :  and  when 
he  had  worldly  goods  in  profusion,  he  was  not  led  away  into 
luxurious  indulgence ;  pride  ;  and  love  of  this  present  corrup- 
tible and  fleeting  scene  of  things.  I  have  already  illustrated, 
while  considering  the  preceding  verse,  that  disposition  of  the 
believer,  by  which  he  bears  with  meek  resignation  the  adverse 
dispensations  of  heaven.  Let  me  now,  from  the  declaration 
here  made  by  the  Apostle,  call  your  attention  to  that  part  of 
the  Christian's  character,  by  which  he  preserves  a  sustained 
and  balanced  spirit,  amidst  a  fulness  of  worldly  possessions. 
My  dear  Christian  friends,  permit  me  to  ask  you,  as  professed 
followers  of  the  Redeemer,  to  take  the  representation  of  St. 
Paul  as  a  standard  ;  and  to  bring  to  a  comparison  with  it 
your  own  spirit  and  deportment,  while  journeying  to  an  eter- 
nal country.  While  blessed  by  a  gracious  Providence  with 
abundance  of  earthly  riches,  are  you,  through  divine  grace, 
living  in  a  humble  consciousness  of  your  own  demerit ;  with- 
out haughtiness,  and  without  pride  ;  and  sensible  that  it  is 
the  Lord  only,  who  thus  "  maketh  you  to  differ  ?"*  While 
furnished  with  the  ready  means  of  gratifying  your  inchnations, 
are  you  ardently,  and  in  the  spirit  of  prayer,  resisting  the 
allurements  which  beset  your  path?  Are  you  "  living  soberly, 
righteously,  and  godly,  in  this  present  world  ?"t  Or,  in 
wicked  abuse  of  all  your  blessings,  are  you  wasting  them 
in  the  service  of  frivolity  and  sin  ;  making  base  compromises 
with  the  worldly  ;  going  over  to  their  ranks  ;  deserting  your 
Master's  standard ;  following  the  multitude  to  do  evil ;  and  per- 

*  I.  Cor.  iv.  7.  +  TituB,  ii.  12. 


22Q  LECTJIRES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XVII. 

forming  that  most  inconsistent  of  all  courses,  to  live  as  others 
live,  and  yet  claim  the  privileges  of  a  Saviour's  religion,  sur- 
round the  table  of  his  love,  and  look  forward  to  the  everlast- 
ing glories  of  his  kingdom  1  If  there  be  a  spectacle  on  earth 
truly  sublime,  it  is  that  of  a  Christian  believer,  having  all  the 
means  of  worldly  conformity  v/itliin  his  reach,  and  yet  adher- 
ing to  the  narrow  way ;  and  pressing  onward,  with  undiverted 
step,  to  a  city  in  the  skies.  But  if  there  is  grandeur  in  such 
a  spirit,  how  rarely,  my  brethren,  is  it  attained  !  How  true 
now,  as  before,  that  saying  of  the  best  of  all  witnesses,  "  How 
hardly  shall  they  that  have  riches  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
God  !"*  To  be  called  the  Lord's  people  appears  pleasant  to  them; 
heaven  seems  desirable  in  their  eyes ;  but  they  find  it  too  diffi- 
cult a  requisition,  "  If  any  man  will  come  after  me,  let  him 
deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  cross,  and  follow  me."t 

After  these  observations  of  the  blessed  Apostle,  in  regard  to 
the  spirit  by  which  he  was  actuated,  he  proceeds,  with  all 
humility  and  meekness,  to  point  out  the  source  from  which 
his  ability  had  been  derived.  Mark  the  declaration  which  he 
utters.  "  I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ  which  strengthen- 
eth  me."  There  is  something  exceedingly  characteristic  in 
this  brief  sentence.  He  had  just  been  expressing  the  steady 
and  unruffled  mind  which  he  was  able  to  maintain,  amidst 
the  two  opposite  states  of  emptiness  and  fulness.  But,  lest 
he  should  thereby  seem,  in  the  eyes  of  those  to  whom  he  was 
writing,  to  deserve  any  honor  for  this  enviable  frame  of  soul, 
he  hastens  to  place  the  crown  upon  the  proper  head ;  and 
refers  his  tranquil  submission  under  captivity  and  sorrow,  his 
lowliness  under  brighter  dispensations,  and  every  grace  and 

*  Luke,  xviii.  24-  +  Matt.  xvi.  24. 


CHAP,  IV.  10-10.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  O^Q 

virtue  by  wliicli  lie  was  distinguished,  only  to  the  sanctifying 
influences  of  the  Lord  Jesus  upon  his  heart.  There  is,  per- 
haps, no  one  feature  more  conspicuous  in  this  great  Apostle  of 
Christ,  than  his  eagerness  to  trace  up  all  the  excellencies  of 
the  believer's  character  to  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God.  He  allows 
no  room  for  self  to  advance  a  claim.  To  the  free  gift  of  the 
Redeemer  all  is  referred.  Whatever  is  evil,  he  ascribes  to  his 
own  corrupt  heart ;  whatever  is  good,  is  made  the  subject  of 
thankfulness  to  that  almighty  Lord,  whose  strength  was 
"  made  perfect  in  weakness."*  Hear  his  language  to  the  Co- 
rinthians ;  "  I  laboured  more  abundantly  than  they  all :  yet 
not  I,  but  the  grace  of  God  which  was  with  me."t  Mark  his 
exclamation  to  the  Galatians ;  "  I  am  crucified  with  Christ : 
nevertheless,  I  live  ;  yet  not  I,  but  Christ  liveth  in  me  :  and 
the  life  which  I  now  live  in  the  flesh,  I  live  by  the  faith  of 
the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  me,  and  gave  himself  for  me."|; 
While  you  may  learn,  my  brethren,  in  these  expressions,  and 
in  the  assertion  now  under  review,  the  unfeigned  lowliness  of 
the  real  servant  of  Christ,  may  they  not  very  properly,  also, 
suggest  strong  ground  of  encouragement,  to  any  among  you 
who  are  lamenting  the  absence  of  those  various  graces,  which 
adorn  the  Christian  character?  If  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  would  thus  arm  the  Apostle  with  firmness  in 
prosperity,  and  give  him  patience  and  cheerfulness  in  darker 
visitations,  he  can  do  the  same  in  all  respects  for  you.  Ap- 
proach his  mercy-seat ;  ask  to  be  delivered  from  that  fretting 
heart,  which  cannot  endure  the  appointments  of  heaven ; 
pray  for  his  influences  against  the  perilous  assaults  of  wealth, 
and  worldly  custom,  and  human  opinion.    The  ability  which 

*  II.  Cor.  xii.  9.  t  I.  Cor.  xv.  10.  t  Gal.  ii.  20. 


230  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XVII. 

now  you  possess  not  shall  infallibly  descend ;  without  Him 
you  can  do  nothing ;  but  with  him,  all  things  are  possible. 
"  He  giveth  power  to  the  faint ;  and  to  them  that  have  no 
might  he  increaseth  strength."* 

Having  thus  made  a  digression,  for  the  purpose  of  express- 
ing to  the  Philippians  his  contentment  beneath  the  calamities 
which  he  suffered,  St.  Paul  returns,  in  the  last  three  verses  of 
the  portion  before  us,  to  his  commendation  of  their  affectionate 
attentions.  "  Notwithstanding,"  he  says,  "  ye  have  well  done, 
that  ye  did  communicate  with  my  affliction.'^  He  com- 
memorates this  liberality  towards  him,  as  an  evidence  of  the 
Christian  love  of  his  brethren  ;  and  then  proceeds  to  hold  them 
up  as  singularly  conspicuous  examples,  among  those  by  whom 
they  were  surrounded.  "  Now,  ye  Philippians,"  he  exclaims, 
"  know  also,  that  in  the  beginning  of  the  gospel,"  namely,  at 
the  period  when  St.  Paul  first  preached  to  them  the  unsearch- 
able riches  of  Christ,  "  when  I  departed  from  Macedonia,  no 
church  communicated  with  me  as  concerning  giving  and  re- 
ceiving, but  ye  only.  For  even  in  Thessalonica  ye  sent  once 
and  again  unto  my  necessity."  In  these  words,  the  Apostle 
goes  back  from  the  period  at  which  he  was  writing,  to  days 
long  departed ;  and  states  the  fact,  that  those  same  children  of 
the  Lord  who  had  just  manifested  the  kindness  of  their  hearts, 
had  always  been  signalized  for  their  active  interest  in  the  pro- 
motion of  his  comfort,  and  in  the  alleviation  of  his  sufferings 
and  privations.  Among  the  primitive  churches  they  had  stood 
alone,  in  this  particular  respect ;  or,  even  if  it  was  the  case, 
that  the  bounty  of  others  besides  them  had  been  proffered  to 
St.  Paul,  but,  for  certain  reasons,  refused,  still  the  willingness 

*  Isaiah,  xl.  29. 


CilAP.  IV.  10—16.]  EPLSTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  231 

of  the  Philippians  thus  to  bear  the  burden  of  his  support  was, 
every  way,  deserving  of  the  tribute  of  his  heartiest  gratitude. 

In  the  representation  here  made,  it  is  difficult  to  know,  my 
brethren,  which  most  to  love  and  to  admire  ;  the  attachment 
of  these  early  converts  to  the  "  minister  by  whom  they  had 
believed,"*  or  his  own  long-cherished  remembrance  of  the 
benefits  of  other  years.  How  strongly  does  this  feeling  recol- 
lection, exhibited  by  the  Apostle,  stand  in  contrast  with  the 
cold,  selfish,  and  heartless  spirit  of  the  world  !  In  the  progress 
of  life,  favors  are  buried  in  oblivion ;  new  friendships  eradicate 
those  of  earlier  times  ;  and,  amidst  the  bustle  and  distraction 
of  daily  occupations,  the  tenderest  bonds  of  union  are  severed 
without  regard.  The  records  of  the  Bible,  and  the  annals  of 
Christian  experience,  both  teach  us  clearly,  that  the  religion 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  the  only  school  of  deep  and  refined 
sensibility.  Made  alive  to  his  obligations  to  redeeming  love, 
and  habitually  dwelling  upon  the  remembrance  of  his  divine 
Master's  sacrifice,  the  believer  becomes  moulded  into  a  frame 
of  gratitude  towards  all  that  have  a  claim  upon  his  affections. 
The  lapse  of  time  strengthens  the  character  of  his  attach- 
ments ;  they  are  continually  taking  deeper  root ;  and,  at  the 
termination,  equally  as  at  the  beginning  of  his  career,  shew 
that  they  are  derived  from  a  feeling  which  "  many  waters 
cannot  quench,"  and  which  "  the  floods  cannot  drown."t 

You  have  thus  surveyed,  in  regular  order,  those  attractive 
Christian  graces,  exhibited  to  view  in  the  verses  which  have 
now  been  illustrated.  You  have  seen  the  Apostle,  with 
heavenly  mind,  tracing  up  every  stream  of  earthly  consolation 
to  the  Fountain  of  love  and  mercy.     You  have  seen  him, 

*  I.  Uur.  HI.  5.  i  Song  of  Solomon,  viu.  7. 


232  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XVII. 

amidst  the  varied  sorrows  of  his  condition,  lying  meekly  and 
gently  at  the  divine  disposal ;  desiring  to  have  no  will  but  that 
of  his  reconciled  Father  in  Christ ;  and  prepared  alike  for  every 
form  of  ignominy  and  privation.     You  have  marked  the  spirit 
with  which  he  was  furnished,  to  carry  him  through  the  perils 
of  prosperous  days.     You  have  beheld  the  prostrate  humility 
of  soul,  with  which  he  recognises  the  Source  of  all  his  attain- 
ments in  the  heavenly  life.     You  have  seen  him  delighting  to 
recall  to  memory,  after  long  intervening  periods,  the  benefac- 
tions of  those  friends,  whom  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  had  given 
him  as  the  seals  of  his  ministry,  and  the  comforters  of  his  woe. 
My  dear  hearers,  how  impressively  do  all  these  qualities,  pro- 
duced by  the  quickening  grace  of  God  in  the  heart  of  St.  Paul, 
present  themselves  to  our  eyes  in  view  of  that  hallowed  table,* 
around  which  we  are  so  shortly  to  be  gathered  !     How  solemn 
and  serious  are  the  reflections  which  they  force  upon  the 
mind !     In  how  clear  a  light  do  they  place  the  obligations 
devolving  upon  those,  who  are  the  professed  servants  of  a  cru- 
cified Saviour  in  this  lower  world  !     In  remembrance,  there- 
fore, of  what  has  now  passed  before  us,  may  we  not  all  with 
propriety  address  to  ourselves  the  question — Have  I  this  in- 
ward and  grateful  consciousness  of  a  controlling  and  merciful 
Providence,  as  the  source  of  my  blessings  ?     Am  I  possessed, 
in  any  reasonable  measure,  of  this  divine  contentment  beneath 
the  evils  of  life  ?     Am  I  thus  maintaining  my  ground,  against 
the  allurements  of  worldly  fortune  ?     Do  I,  instead  of  resting, 
with  Pharisaic  complacency  upon  my  personal  merits,  regu- 
larly look  upward  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  my  "  wisdom, 
and  righteousness,  and  sanctification,  and  redemption  ?"t     Am 

*  Corrimuniou  Sunday.  1 1,  Cor.  i,  30. 


CHAP.  IV.  10— 16.J  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  233 

I,  the  subject  of  heavenly  and  earthly  favors,  filled  with  the 
lively  recollection  of  them  ;  and  distinguished  from  others  by 
the  ornament  of  a  thankful,  affectionate,  and  unalterable  love  ? 
— If,  with  all  humility,  we  can  feel  such  to  be  our  blessed  ex- 
perience, let  us  approach,  with  happy  step,  this  banquet  of 
heavenly  refreshment.  It  is  here  that  the  servants  of  Christ 
look  for  strength  by  the  way,  and  here,  blessed  be  God,  that 
they  shall  surely  find  it.  At  the  feast  of  his  love,  the  Redeemer 
graciously  meets  his  people  ;  gives  thera  new  joy  and  peace 
in  believing ;  and  communicates  to  them  fresh  supplie  sof 
that  Spirit,  which  is  in  them  "  a  well  of  water  springing  up 
into  everlasting  life."*  Enjoy  the  board  which  he  has  pro- 
vided. It  is  one  of  the  sweet  privileges  of  your  calling.  "  My 
flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed.  He  that 
eateth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh  my  blood,  dwelleth  in  me,  and 
I  in  him."{ 

♦  John,  iv.  14,  t  John,  vi.  56.  56. 


30 


234  LECTURES  ON  THE 


LECTURE    XVII  L 


CHAPTER  IV.  17—23. 

Not  because  I  desire  a  gift :  but  I  desire  fruit  that  may  abound 
to  your  account.  But  I  have  all,  and  abound :  I  am  full, 
having-  received  of  Epaphroditus  the  things  which  were  sent 
from,  you,  an  odour  of  a  sweet  smell,  a  sacrifice  acceptable, 
well-pleasing  to  God.  But  my  God  shall  supply  all  your  need 
according  to  his  riches  in  glory  by  Christ  Jesus.  Now  unto 
God  and  our  Father  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 
Salute  every  saint  in  Christ  Jesus.  The  brethren  which  are 
with  me  greet  you.  All  the  saints  salute  you,  chiefly  they  that 
are  of  Cesar''s  household.  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  be  with  you  all.     Amen. 

The  continuance  of  his  allusions  to  the  bounty  of  his  Phi- 
Uppian  brethren,  and  the  expression  of  his  aflfectionate  wishes 
for  their  welfare,  occupy  these  concluding  verses  of  the  Apos- 
Je's  letter.  At  the  first  sight  of  those  brief  valedictory  ex- 
preseions  which  are  here  uttered,  you  might  be  disposed  to 
imagine  that  there  was  nothing  in  them  requiring  any  parti- 
cular attention  ;  as  being  only  the  customary  forms  of  civility 
between  friend  and  friend.  There  is  something,  however, 
even  in  the  ordinary  courtesies  of  a  real  Christian,  which  is 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHTLIPPIANS.  235 

marked  and  peculiar ;  and  so  eminently  is  this  the  fact  in 
regard  to  the  saints  of  the  New  Testament,  that  they  afford 
us  instruction  while  speaking  of  topics,  in  themselves  the 
most  trivial  and  uninteresting.  You  will  perceive  the  truth 
of  this  observation,  by  following  St.  Paul  through  that  closing 
portion  of  his  Epistle,  on  which  your  meditations  are  this 
morning  to  be  employed. 

In  some  of  the  verses  preceding  those  upon  which  we  now 
enter,  the  Apostle  had,  as  you  have  seen,  been  expressing  his 
gratitude  for  that  plentiful  assistance,  by  which  the  Philippians 
had  administered  to  his  wants.  He  now  proceeds  to  set  forth 
the  principal  reason,  for  which  he  rejoiced  in  this  instance  of 
their  goodness  ;  and  states  that  his  joy  was  derived  not  from 
selfish  and  interested  motives,  but  from  the  satisfactory  evi- 
dence which  their  good  works  afforded,  in  the  sight  of  God 
and  man,  that  their  religion  was  active  and  sincere.  "  Not 
because  I  desire  a  gift,"  he  declares ;  or,  as  the  meaning 
might  be  more  exactly  expressed,  not  because  the  gift  sent  me 
is  the  object  upon  which  my  heart  is  fixed ;  "  but  I  desire 
fruit  that  may  abound  to  your  account :"  that  is,  it  is  my 
ardent  wish  that  you  may  exhibit  those  proofs  of  faith,  which 
shall  be  regarded  with  pleasure  by  the  Lord,  at  the  day  of  final 
reckoning.  The  Apostle  intends  to  say,  therefore,  to  his 
friends  at  Philippi,  that  "  he  sought  not  theirs,  but  them  ;"* 
but  the  words  before  us  contain  a  doctrine  of  great  importance, 
upon  which  we  may  profitably,  for  a  few  moments,  dwell. 
St.  Paul's  expression  of  a  desire,  that  these  Christian  brethren 
might  manifest  such  deeds  of  benevolence,  as  would  redound 
to  their  advantage  at  the  consummation  of  all  things,  implies 

♦  II.  Cor.  xii.  14. 


236  LECTURES  ON  THE  tLECT.  XVIH. 

very  clearly  one  truth  :  that  the  good  works  of  the  beUever, 
though  not  in  the  least  meritorious  of  salvation,  yet,  as  being 
the  fruits  and  evidences  of  a  hving  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  are  received  with  acceptance  by  our  heavenly  Father. 
This  position  is  asserted  as  plainly  as  possible  in  the  verse 
which  follows.  "  But  I  have  all,"  declares  the  Apostle,  "  and 
abound :  I  am  full,  having  received  of  Epaphroditus  the 
things  which  were  sent  from  you,  an  odour  of  a  sweet  smell, 
a  sacrifice  acceptable,  well-pleasing  to  God."  Allusion  is  here 
made,  as  you  observe,  to  the  offerings  under  the  law  ;  and  the 
words  of  St.  Paul  convey  the  idea,  that  those  acts  of  love  to 
the  brethren  which  spring  from  a  spiritual  principle  within, 
rise  as  a  grateful  oblation  to  the  Lord  Almighty.  Declarations 
of  a  similar  import,  and  also  in  similar  language,  are  found  in 
other  parts  of  the  New  Testament  volume.  "  To  do  good, 
and  to  communicate,"  says  the  Apostle  to  the  Hebrews,  "  for- 
get not :  for  with  such  sacrifices  God  is  well  pleased."*  "  Ye 
also,"  says  St.  Peter,  "  as  lively  stones,  are  built  up  a  spiritual 
house,  an  holy  priesthood,  to  offer  up  spiritual  sacrifices,  ac- 
ceptable to  God  by  Jesus  Christ."! 

There  are  two  cardinal  errors,  my  brethren,  into  one  or  the 
other  of  which,  through  the  corruption  of  the  human  heart, 
men  have  ever  been  seen  to  fall.  They  have  either,  in  the 
spirit  of  pride  and  self-righteousness,  ascribed  merit  and  efii- 
cacy  to  the  mere  performance  of  deeds  of  charity,  and  acts  of 
outward  virtue  ;  thus  completely  rendering  void  that  atoning 
sacrifice  of  Christ,  whereby  alone  the  sinner  can  be  restored 
to  favor :  or,  on  the  other  hand,  under  the  pretence  of  magni- 
fying the  free  grace  of  God,  they  have  wickedly  denied  the 

*  Heb.  xiii.  16.  t  I.  Pet.  li.  5. 


CHAP.  IV.  17—23.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  237 

necessity  of  any  fruits  of  holiness ;  and  abused  the  doctrine 
of  the  Redeemer's  all- sufficiency,  to  the  encouragement  either 
of  licentiousness  of  practice,  or  of  a  career  marked  by  no 
active  deeds  of  benevolence  and  love.  To  neither  of  these 
capital  heresies,  does  the  language  of  the  Apostle  afford  the 
least  degree  of  countenance ;  but,  avoiding  the  opposite  ex- 
tremes of  antinomianism,  and  legal  justification,  declares  that 
the  Lord  of  mercy  beholds  with  satisfaction  those  good  works, 
w^hich  are  the  offspring  of  a  lively  and  vigorous  faith  im- 
planted by  divine  grace  within  the  heart.  These  fruits  in  the 
conduct  God  imperiously  requires,  as  being  the  only  legitimate 
proof  of  genuine  religion.  He  smiles  upon  them  with  joy. 
He  honors  them  as  the  marks  of  that  principle  of  new  life  in 
the  soul,  by  which  the  believer  takes  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  as 
the  object  of  his  constant  love,  and  daily  imitation. 

Little  worth,  then,  my  beloved  brethren,  as  we  are  bound  to 
regard  the  simple  performance  of  an  outward  morahty,  equally 
bound  are  w^e  to  judge  of  faith  only  by  its  fruits  ;  and  to  say  to 
every  professed  believer,  in  the  language  of  St.  James,  "  Shew 
me  thy  faith  without  thy  works,  and  I  will  shew  thee  my  faith 
by  my  works."*  This  doctrine,  accordingly,  of  the  necessity, 
and  the  acceptable  character,  of  those  deeds  by  which  a  Chris- 
tian proves  the  sincerity  of  his  profession,  is  plainly  recog- 
nised by  our  Church ;  when,  in  one  of  her  Collects,  she 
thus  speaks  :  "  Stir  up,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  the  wills  of 
thy  faithful  people ;  that  they  plenteously  bringing  forth  the 
fruit  of  good  works,  may  by  thee  be  plenteously  rewarded, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord."t  And  equally  clear  is  the 
language  of  her  Twelfth  Article ;  where  it  is  said,  "  Albeit 

*  James,  ii.  18.  t  Collect  for  Twenty-fifth  Sunday  after  Trinity. 


238  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XVIII. 

that  good  works,  which  are  the  fruits  of  faith,  and  follow  after 
justification,  cannot  put  away  our  sins,  and  endure  the  seve- 
rity of  God's  judgment ;  yet  are  they  pleasing  and  acceptable 
to  God  in  Christ,  and  do  spring  out  necessarily  of  a  true  and 
lively  faith  ;  insomuch  that  by  them  a  lively  faith  may  be  as 
evidently  known,  as  a  tree  discerned  by  the  fruit."  In  com- 
pliance with  these  wholesome  views,  let  us  all,  my  hearers,  in 
dependence  upon  the  grace  of  God,  shew  forth  before  men  the 
reality  of  a  Christian's  love  for  his  crucified  Master.  Let  us 
do  good  in  every  possible  form  ;  and  then  ascribe  all  the  me- 
rit, and  all  the  glory  of  our  deeds,  to  that  Lord  and  Saviour 
through  whose  Spirit  alone  they  have  been  produced. 
Through  this  course  of  holy  obedience,  we  may  look  forward 
with  humble  hope  for  our  recompense  of  reward ;  and  attain 
for  ourselves  in  due  season,  if  we  labor  and  faint  not,  a  share 
in  that  blessed  welcome  ;  "  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  ser- 
vant ;  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord."* 

From  the  mention  of  these  contributions,  by  which  his 
brethren  had  displayed  their  liberality  to  him  in  his  necessities, 
the  Apostle  immediately  passes  to  an  observation  full  of  com- 
fort and  encouragement.  "  But  my  God,"  he  exclaims,  "  shall 
supply  all  your  need,  according  to  his  riches  in  glory,  by  Christ 
Jesus  :"  in  other  words  ;  Let  me  say  to  you,  that  your  course 
of  faith  and  love  shall  not  be  without  its  blessing  ;  and  the 
Father  who  is  in  heaven,  out  of  the  fulness  of  his  treasures, 
shall  provide  for  your  every  want :  sustain  you  with  temporal 
good  things  :  and  minister  to  you  the  still  richer  communica- 
tions of  his  gracious  Spirit. 

It  is  easy  for  us,  my  brethren,  to  imagine  the  consolation 

*  Matt.  XXV.  23. 


CHAP.  IV.  17-23.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  239 

which  St.  Paul  would  feel,  in  thus  committing  his  kind  bene- 
factors into  the  hands  of  a  faithful  Creator.  He  was  conscious, 
that,  so  far  as  their  reward  depended  upon  himself,  they  had 
nothing  to  expect :  and,  therefore,  with  cheerfulness  cast  them 
upon  that  merciful  Providence,  who  watches  over  his  servants 
for  good,  and  "  feeds  them  with  food  convenient."*  The 
declaration  here  made  by  the  Apostle  is  important,  as  stating 
unequivocally  the  truth,  that  the  Almighty's  believing  peo- 
ple may  look  for  his  aid  and  presence,  through  all  the 
periods  of  their  pilgrimage.  You  observe  the  confidence 
with  which  he  makes  this  observation  :  he  consigns  his  friends 
to  God,  with  perfect  certainty  as  to  the  result :  and,  in  this 
respect,  entirely  accords  with  all  the  representations  of  the 
Volume  of  life.  Let  us  bring  forward  some  few  of  the  promises 
of  God's  word,  relating  to  the  temporal  comforts  of  the  believer. 
"  The  Lord  is  my  shepherd ;  I  shall  not  want."t  "  Seek  ye  first 
the  kingdom  of  God,  and  his  righteousness,  and  all  these  things 
shall  be  added  unto  you."t  "  Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good: 
so  shalt  thou  dwell  in  the  land,  and  verily  thou  shall  be  fed."§ 
Upon  the  authority  of  such  assurances  as  these,  all  that  re- 
mains for  the  children  of  God  is  to  go  on  steadily  in  the  path 
of  duty  ;  to  look  up  to  the  Father,  through  Christ,  as  a  recon- 
ciled Friend  and  Parent  ,  and  to  obey,  love,  and  glorify  him  ; 
and,  while  they  are  thus  doing,  to  believe  that  all  necessary 
things,  in  the  Lord's  goodness  and  mercy,  shall  be  poured 
into  their  bosom.  Who  ever  counted,  in  this  manner,  upon 
the  supply  of  his  necessities,  and  found  the  expectation  disap- 
pointed ?  Hear  the  testimony  of  dying  Jacob :  "  The  God 
which  fed  me  all  my  life  long  unto  this  day."ll     Listen  to  the 

*  Prov.  XXX.  8.    t  Ps.  xxiii.  I.    t  Matt.  vi.  33.     §  Ps.  xxxvii.  3.     II  Gen.  xlviii.  15. 


^ 


240  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XVIU. 

Psalmist's  experience :  "  I  have  been  young,  and  now  am  old; 
yet  have  I  not  seen  the  righteous  forsaken,  nor  his  seed  beg- 
ging bread."*  But,  my  brethren,  there  are  wants  besides 
those  of  the  body  ;  and  it  is  cheering  to  rerceive,  that,  in  re- 
gard to  all  his  spiritual  {necessities,  the  believer  is  sustained, 
through  the  whole  series  of  the  pages  of  life,  with  the  same 
abundant  declarations.  Do  you  tremble  at  the  power  of 
temptation  ;  and  wish  for  strength  from  on  high  to  preserve 
you  firm  against  its  assaults  ?  The  Father  of  mercies  shall 
here  supply  your  need ;  for  he  himself  has  given  you  the  as- 
surance, "  God  is  faithful,  who  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempt- 
ed above  that  ye  are  able  ;  but  will  with  the  temptation  also 
make  a  way  to  escape,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  bear  it."t  Do 
you  thirst  for  more  ardent  love  to  Christ ;  for  more  entire  victory 
over  the  world  ;  for  a  more  complete  conformity  to  the  divine 
word,  in  your  affections,  tempers,  and  daily  lives  ?  All  these 
things,  precious  as  they  are,  the  Lord  of  heaven  shall  bestow ; 
they  are  covenanted  to  you  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  and  there  is  not 
a  principle  of  the  divine  life — not  a  support  in  sorrow — not  a 
grace  of  true  hohness — which  is  not  promised  to  you  on  the 
infallible  testimony  of  your  Lord  and  your  God.  "  I  will 
pray  the  Father,  and  he  shall  give  you  another  Comforter, 
that  he  may  abide  with  you  for  ever."t  "  Ask,  and  ye  shall 
receive,  that  your  joy  may  be  full."§  "  If  ye,  being  evil, 
know  how  to  give  good  gifts  unto  your  children,  how  much 
more  shall  your  heavenly  Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them 
that  ask  him  ?"ll  These,  then,  are  your  prospects,  as  the  ser- 
vants of  Christ.  Only  come  to  God  through  faith  in  his  Son, 
and  he  takes  you  as  his  adopted  children  :  he  will  continue  to 

*  Ps.  xxxvii.  25.   1 1.  Cor.  x.  13.    t  John,  xiv.  16.    §  John,  xvi.  24.    II  Luke,  xi.  13. 


CHAP.  IV.  17-23.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  241 

you,  through  life,  the  blessings  of  his  providence  and  grace  : 
and  you  shall  find,  in  the  largest  sense,  the  prediction  to  be 
true,  "  They  that  seek  the  Lord  shall  not  want  any  good 

THING."* 

Having  thus  travelled  over  the  whole  range  of  topics,  upon 
which  he  desired  to  speak  to  his  Philippian  friends,  the  Apos- 
tle brings  them  all  to  a  close  by  a  solemn  ascription  of  praise. 
"  Now,"  he  exclaims,  "  unto  God  and  our  Father,"  or,  as  it 
might,  perhaps,  with  more  accuracy  be  rendered,  "  unto  our 
God  and  Father,  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen."  There 
is,  probably,  in  this  expression  of  honor  to  the  Lord  and  Go- 
vernor of  the  universe,  something  more  intended  than,  at  first 
sight,  we  might  be  disposed  to  imagine.  One  of  the  objects 
which  St.  Paul  had  in  view,  in  the  present  Epistle  to  his  ab- 
sent friends,  was  to  convey  to  them  his  deep  sense  of  their  libe- 
rality in  the  supply  of  his  wants.  This  instance  of  their 
Christian  love  he  had  just  been  commemorating,  in  very  ex- 
alted terms  :  and  you  will  easily  perceive,  my  brethren,  that 
there  was  some  danger  in  such  an  expression  of  commenda- 
tion, from  a  person  so  distinguished  in  character  and  ofiice. 
The  minds  of  those  to  whom  he  wrote  might,  without  some 
caution,  have  become  vain  and  self-complacent ;  and,  instead 
of  being  duly  thankful  to  that  divine  grace  which  had  inspired 
them  with  these  good  desires,  might  have  forgotten  the  Creator 
in  wicked  idolatry  of  the  creature.  With  well-timed  regard, 
therefore,  for  the  spiritual  safety  of  his  brethren,  St.  Paul  leads 
them  to  that  divine  Author,  who  had  made  them  to  be  what 
they  were  ;  and  counsels  them  to  give  to  Him  edone,  and  to 
his  great  name,  the  acknowledgment  that  was  due 

*  Pa.  xxxiv,  10. 


242  LECTURES  ON  THE  IJLECT,  XVIll. 

There  can  certainly  be  no  habit,  my  brethren,  more  emi- 
nently calculated  than  that  which  is  here  enforced,  to  keep 
alive  within  the  heart  of  the  Christian  a  spirit  of  humility 
and  self-renunciation.  Let  us  ever  bear  in  mind,  that  all  which 
the  believer  has  and  is,  proceeds  purely  from  the  free  grace 
and  mercy  of  God,  through  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  Let  us 
remember,  that  it  is  grace  which  has  achieved  the  work 
of  his  redemption,  from  the  guilt  and  punishment  of  sin; 
that  it  is  the  Spirit  of  truth  which  first  communicates  to  him 
a  justifying  faith,  and  changes  him  from  darkness  to  light ; 
and  that  it  is  this  same  heavenly  Illuminator,  by  whose 
power  he  thinks  every  holy  thought,  and  performs  every  ex- 
cellent deed,  from  the  beginning  to  the  termination  of  his 
career.  By  this  salutary  course  of  reflection,  we  shall  be  pre- 
served in  a  frame  of  lowly  gratitude  ;  and  those  fruits  of  holi- 
ness which,  through  divine  aid,  we  are  enabled  to  exhibit,  so 
far  from  being  fuel  for  vanity,  will  only  serve  to  deepen  our 
consciousness  of  absolute  dependence  upon  God.  Such  was 
the  spirit  which  St.  Paul  desired  to  cherish,  in  the  minds  of 
those  primitive  converts ;  and,  with  the  same  view,  let  us,  also, 
carry  about,  as  the  constant  principle  of  our  lives,  the  Psalm- 
ist's motto,  "  Not  unto  us,  O  Lord,  not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy 
name  give  glory!"* 

The  affectionate  Apostle  now  adds,  to  all  that  he  had  said, 
a  few  expressions  of  regard  on  the  part  of  himself,  and  of 
those  with  whom  he  was  connected.  "  Salute,"  says  he, 
"  every  saint  in  Christ  Jesus  ;"  that  is,  every  member  of  your 
small  community  of  renewed  and  sanctified  believers.  "  The 
brethren,"  he  continues,  "  which  are  with  me  greet  you  :" 

*  Ps.  cxv.  I. 


CHAP.  IV.  17  -»X  I  FPISTI.E  TO  THE  PHILirPlANS.  243 

referringj  in  tbe.se  words,  to  those  ministering  servants  of  God 
who  were  his  companions  at  Rome ;  and  who  were  faithfully 
laboring,  according  to  their  ability,  in  the  dissemination  of 
gospel  truth.  He  then  conveys  the  friendly  wishes  of  the 
other  Christians  around  him ;  and  writes,  "  All  the  saints 
salute  you,  chiefly  they  that  are  of  Cesar's  household."  From 
these  expressions,  then,  you  learn  the  remarkable  fact,  that, 
even  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  imperial  palace,  there  were 
found  some  who  were  witnesses  for  God,  and  for  the  religion 
of  his  blessed  Son.  The  person  who  swayed  the  sceptre  at 
this  time,  was  the  vindictive  and  bloody  Nero ;  but  who  these 
converts  to  Christ  were,  to  whom  the  Apostle  thus  briefly  refers, 
we  have  no  certain  information.  Whoever  they  may  have 
been,  and  whether  in  a  high  or  subordinate  rank  of  life,  their 
profession  of  the  gospel  was  certainly  no  common  testimony 
to  the  power  of  the  grace  of  God.  They  stood  forth  as  the 
friends  and  servants  of  the  Redeemer,  not  only  in  the  face  of 
those  temptations  which  are  always  to  be  found,  amidst  scenes 
of  worldly  splendor  and  magnificence  ;  but  also  at  the  hazard 
of  theii:  hves,  from  the  cruelty  of  a  persecuting  and  relentless 
tyrant.  The  mention  of  such  Christian  brethren  to  the  Phi- 
lippian  disciples,  was  calculated,  in  a  high  degree,  to  encou- 
rage their  hearts,  and  confirm  them  in  the  faith  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ ;  and  it  was  certainly,  therefore,  a  providential 
circumstance,  that  St.  Paul  had  this  opportunity,  in  his  clos- 
ing expressions,  thus  particularly  to  bring  these  members  of 
the  imperial  family  into  view. 

And  it  may  not  be  unprofitable,  my  brethren,  here  to 
indulge  a  passing  reflection  upon  that^  goodness  of  God,  by 
which  he  selects  occasionally,  in  places  where  we  should  least 


244  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LEOT.  XVII 

have  looked  for  them,  persons  to  acknowledge  his  name,  and 
advocate  his  cause  before  men.     Such  examples  are  animat- 
ing for  the  Christian  to  behold.     They  strengthen  his  confi- 
dence as  to  the  divine  power  of  a  religion,  which  can  thus 
triumph  over  all  obstacles  of  outward  situation^  and  over  cir- 
cumstances least  propitious  to  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  life 
of  God.     In  how  bright  and  glorious  a  character  does  faith 
present  itself  to  your  view,  when  leading  Moses  to  "  refuse  to 
be  called  the  son  of  Pharaoh's  daughter,"  and  to  "esteem  the 
reproach    of    Christ   greater    riches    than    the    treasures    in 
Egypt  !"*     With  what  plainness  does  its  reality  appear,  when 
sustaining   Daniel   amidst   the   temptations  of  royalty,  and 
against  the  assaults  of  malignant  persecution  from  the  great 
ones  of  the  earth  !     These,  and  similar  instances  on  the  page 
of  history,  are  special  and  peculiar  encouragements  to  the 
Christian  traveller,  as  he  pursues  his  journey,  through  a  scoff- 
ing generation,  to  the  world  of  glory.     They  teach  him,  with 
demonstration  not  to  be  resisted,  that  it  must  be  the  Spirit  of 
God,  which  thus  raises  up  defenders  of  the  cause  of  Jehovah 
in  the  strongest  holds  of  the  adversary.     He  infers  rightly, 
that  they  who  can  successfully  contend  against  the  blandish- 
ments and  seductions  of  the  world,  in  their  most  captivating 
form,  must  be  furnished  with  weapons  from  on  high.     He  is 
stimulated  by  the  spectacle :  he  goes  on  his  way  rejoicing  : 
he  lays  hold,  with  greater  alacrity  than  ever,  upon  the  ever- 
lasting refuge  "  set  before  him"t  in  the  gospel.     For  such  ex- 
empUfications,  then,  of  the  omnipotence  of  grace,  let  us  thank 
our  heavenly  Father  ;  and  bless  his  holy  name,  that  he  has 

*  Heb.  xi.  24.  2G.  +  Heb.  vi.  18. 


CHAP.  rV.  17-23.]  EPISTLE  TO  THE  PHILIPPIANS.  245 

not  left  himself  without  witnesses  for  his  glory,  even  "  in 
king's  houses  !"* 

The  Apostle  finishes  his  letter  with  the  benediction,  with 
which  we  meet  so  frequently  on  other  occasions.  "  The 
grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  he  says,  "  be  with  you  all. 
Amen :" — and  I  may  here,  my  brethren,  in  Hke  manner,  be 
permitted  to  utter  a  prayer  for  your  spiritual  and  eternal  wel- 
fare, at  the  close  of  this  expository  series,  upon  which,  during 
the  past  season,  we  have  been  employed.  It  may  truly  be 
said,  that  they  who,  with  the  least  measure  of  sincerity, 
preach  their  Master's  gospel  to  a  dying  world,  never  descend 
from  the  pulpit  without  feelings  of  deep  and  awful  solemnity. 
They  connect  what  has  been  there  delivered  with  the  effects 
which  it  was  intended,  through  divine  grace,  to  produce,  upon 
the  hearts  of  those  who  have  hstened  to  the  message.  They 
consider,  with  affectionate  interest,  the  responsibilities  of  every 
individual  hearer  of  the  word  of  life.  They  follow  him,  in 
imagination,  to  the  world  beyond  the  grave — they  view  him 
at  the  bar  of  final  account — and  call  to  mind,  with  anxious 
hopes  and  fears,  that  declaration  of  the  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  "  He  that  rejecteth  me,  and  receiveth  not  my 
words,  hath  one  that  judgeth  him :  the  word  that  I  have 
spoken,  the  same  shall  judge  him  in  the  last  day."t 

Particularly,  then,  may  such  feelings  be  expected  to  pervade 
the  mind  of  him  who  now  addresses  you,  at  the  conclusion  of 
a  consecutive  course  of  instruction,  such  as  that  with  which  our 
common  meditations  have,  for  a  few  months,  been  occupied. 
In  the  illustration  of  this  beautiful  Epistle,  you  have  been 

*  Matt.  xi.  8.  1  John,  xii.  46. 


246  LECTURES  ON  THE  [LECT.  XVIII. 

conducted,  my  beloved  friends,  to  the  pure  and  unadulterated 
word  of  life  and  peace.     You  have  been  furnished  with  an 
exhibition  of  divine  truth,  precisely  as  it  came  forth  from  the 
Author  of  all  good ;  with  doctrines,  exactly  as  the  inspiration 
of  God's  holy  Spirit  has  stated  them ;  with  lessons  of  Chris- 
tian practice  and  duty,  delivered  by  the  great  Head  of  the 
church   speaking   through   his   own   commissioned   Apostle. 
After  such  a  display  of  the  living  oracles  of  God,  in  the  regu- 
lar and  established  ministrations  of  the  sanctuary,  may  not 
each  attendant  upon  these  courts  of  the  Lord  properly  reflect, 
with  seriousness  of  soul,  upon  the  obligations  under  which  he 
has  been  placed ;  and  inwardly  pray  to  the  Fountain  of  all  - 
wisdom,  that  the  word  thus  preached  may  be  to  him  "  a 
savour,"  not  "  of  death  unto  death,"  but "  of  life  unto  life  V* 
The  day  is  approaching,  on  rapid  wing,  when,  for  all  these  privi- 
leges and  blessings,  the  subjects  of  them  shall  be  summoned  to 
strictest  requisition;  and,  at  that  solemn  hour,  wheie  shall  be 
found  the  careless,  the  trifling,  the  lukewarm,  or  the  self-con- 
ceited listener,  to  these  successive  proclamations  of  truth?  God 
grant,  my  brethren,  that  to  you  the  message  of  mercy  which 
is  here  preached,  may  not  be  preached  in  vain  !     May  He  for 
whom  we  sow  the  seed,  and  who  alone  can  grant  the  increase, 
vouchsafe  to  you  his  illuminating  Spirit  in  large  supplies ! 
May  he  advance  you,  by  regular  steps,  in  every  Christian 
attainment ;  sanctify  you  ever  more  and  more  through  the 
use  of  his  appointed  means  of  grace ;  and  bring  you  at  last, 
in  his  own  good  time,  to  that  better  world,  where  •'  the  Lord 
God  will  wipe  away  tears  from  ofl"  all   faces  :"t  where   "  the 

*  11.  Cor.  ii.  16.  +  Isai.  xxv.  8. 


CHAP.  IV.  17—23.]  EPISTLE  JO  THE  PHIUPPIANS.  247 

Lamb,  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne,  shall  feed  them, 
and  shall  lead  them  unto  living  fountains  of  waters  :"*  where 
"  the  Lord  shall  be  unto  them  an  everlasting  light,  and  theii' 
God  their  glory  !"t 

*Rev.  vii.  17.  t  Isai.  Ix.  19. 


THE  END. 


BS2705  .E13 

Lectures,  explanatory  and  practical,  on 


Princeton  Theological  Semmary-Speer  Library 


1    1012  00013  9875 


DATE  DUE 

;.^,.)0^ 

Mt&W*W-ftf.Ji«^ife^. 

- 

3  1 

1998 

\^^ 

H(N5^ 

^EC  i 

S  1998 

HIGHSMITH  # 

45230 

Prtnitd 
In  USA 

